A NEW AND VASTLY IMPROVED EDITION 



OF THE 



INDUSTIUAL RESOURCES 



OF 



ilTAT 



containing numerous new subjects, not in the first edition ; such as the Natural 

History of the State ; Brief sketches of its altered condition at different periods 

and the causes leading thereto ; A short History of the origin and happy 

conclusion of the late war, with the heroic part acted by AVisconsin 

Troops , the origin of our American Lakes ; and numerous 

Discussions on the various Natural Phenomena observable in 

several of the states. 



JOH]SJ^ GREQORY Esq. 

C. E. late M. G. 8. J)., M. B. A., V F. L. T. S. D. &:e. 

rilESIDENT OF THE COLLEGK OF 

Civil Engineering, Mining, and Agiculture in Ireland; Author of 

the Practice and Philosophy of Arithnaetic, Practical 

Geometry, Conic Sections; 

Plain and Spherical Trigononaetry ; Course of Civil Engineering, 

Trigonometrical Surveying &c., &c., Also Author of numeroiis 

Papers on Natural Philosophy, Geology, Political Economy, 

Agricrlture, Astronomy. Ac. 



For the use of Immigkants residing in the older States of 

THE Union, as well as for those residing 

IN different parts of Europe. 



1870. 

MILWAUKEK SEl-DOTB JOB PRINT. 



\k 



fe 



c:<P, 



NOV i^i»V 



To his Excellency 

XjTJOZTDTJS :E' -a. X I^ O 3E3C X Xj 33 , 
Governor oftJie State of Wisconsin, 

this volume is subscribed, as a testimony of respect for 

those qualities of rriind and personal Services, ivhich have 

elevated him to the high position he now occupies, as Chief 

Magistrate of the State and natural Guardian of a work, ' 

written expressly to promote it^ interests^ mentally^ morally^ 

and materially. 

^By his most obedient 

and hii'.iible servant 

THE AUTHOR.. 



PREFACE, 

Thi-ee oi" four -writers have already broiigat the yoaiig state of Wisconsin under 
public notice, every one of whom having contributed more or less to its advancement, 
by pointing out the many peculiar advantages it affords for a home to foreigners, and 
eastern farmers and capitalists, as compared with any other of the Western states. 

The works of my predecessors have answered all the purposes for which they were 
written. However the celerity with which the state is advancing— the rapidity with 
which new towns spring up, and dense forests disappeai' — the facilities of communi- 
cation, by land and water, which are daily multiplying in every direction — the spread 
of knowledge resulting from institutions recently established in many parts of the state 
—the number of new towns and counties organized every year — the magic change 
cIFected in the brief space of every successive year, in every department, demand a 
new hand book almost evei-y year. The present work however, though answering all 
the purpos&s of a guide to immigrants, seeks a more permanent place in the arcliive 
of the country, and a wider sphere of usefulness, not only to the present generation, 
but to generations yet unborn. Nature works under certain laws, which never cease 
to act, and in which time effects no change. The soil, physiognomy, climate, and 
every natural product and advantage, placed by providence at our command in the 
state, are all the results of those laws, a knowledge of which enables us to convert 
them to our own use and benefit. Nature supplies us with the raw material, and 
knowledge and industrial activity enable us to manufacture it into a thousand different 
forms to supply our wants and administer to our comforts. One of the chief objects 
of this book, therefore, is to point out all the natural advantages and industrial re- 
sources of this state, and show how to convert them to the best purposes for the general 
advancement of its people, in all those departments of industry best calculated to 
make them independent, and elevate their condition in the scale of society socially, 
morally, mentally, and physically. The part of the work devoted to this subject, 
cannot bo considered ephemeral, the objects discussed being in their nature endur- 
ing, and the discussion universally applicable. The discussion of a subject embrac- 
ing such a wide field, necessarily involves the consideration of many distinct problems. 
2\.U however are linked together, in close connection, so as to form but one contin-- 
uous chain, connecting the prosperity of Wisconsin with its industrial resources. 
Besides a wide range of statistical information on all matters connected with the 
state, derived from the most reliable sources, t!ie work contains numerous discussions 
of geology, meteorology, climate, and other natural conditions and phenomena ob- 
servable°in the territory ; of its soil, natural products, botany, and natural history ; 
of its agriculture, trade and commerce, harbors, and navigation ; of its lakes, rivers, 
prairie-s, and forests ; of its water power, fuel, machinery and handy-craft trades; 
of its rail, plank and common roads ; of its colleges, schools, churches and other in- 
stitutions ; and of every subject which legitimately comes within the scope of _ such 
a publication. In treating these subjects, numerous others arc incidentally intro- 
duced, as growing out of, or directly bearing upon, the particular subject under dis- 
cussion, such as the exemption laws of the state, free trade and tariff, public vforks, 
&c. All the towns and villages, with the surrounding districts, are described. The 
work concludes with instructions to immigrants. In conclusion it may be necessary 
to state that the work was commenced nearly three years ago, when the condition of 
the country was different from what it is at present ; therefore any statement that 
might have been made, as then applicable to to the state of tlie country, has been 
altered when necessary in a subsequent part of the work, so as to answer the altered 
condition of the country. To make myself thoroughly acquainted with the state, I 
traveled through it in different directions, and also through large portions of the sur- 
rounding states in order to gain information respecting the geology and other sub- 
jects connected with Wisconsin. From the variety of subjects it embraces, and the 
attention paid to the wants and wishes of different classes, wlio may be desirous of 
information respecting" this state, as well as of many who may read the book merely 
with the view of gratifying their taste or passing away an idle hour, I hope the work 
will be found to contain much that may suit all. The laborer, the mechanic, the 



PnEFACE. 



manufacturer, the agriculturist, tlic miner, the geoiogis , the philosopher, the an i- 
miSn the naturalist, the political economist, raid the general reader will find 
someSn- in?h work that ma.y interest and please him : at east 1 have written it wi h 
that view' In discussing several of the subjects introduced mo the following work, 
frequenralh ion is made to the old country, with the v ew to institute a comi-anson 
etwe Jn the existing conditions of both countries. Such a coniparison is necessar.. 
inSuch a. the work is intended to be circulated, through England, Ireland, ami 
S".^t is ^'ll as through the German Statos, when a correct translation into 
the German language shall be completed. 

I may have^set fort some views of mj own, not in perfect accordance with those 
entertSned by others, but as I allow others perfect freedom of though m sj^ecula- 
tive n at?ers I claim for myself the right of expressing my own peciiliar opinions, 
Sch I do with due deference. With sectarian or political opinions I have nothing 
odo an^tJ^^refore^ ^hit to be distinctly understood that wherever the subject 
may seem constructively to bear on these matters. I have reference solely and ex- 
clusively to the social and moral conlition of the state. 

Wisconsin mines form an inexhaustible source of wealth, being ridi beyoml 
comparison in many of the ores from which are extracted numerous metals, A^hich 
Ty he iaiu of skillful labor, are fashioned into a thousand^ different forms for the 
Se of man To this subject I devote as much space as its importance deserves. I 
have devo ed more time and space to the subject of education than may be considered 
necessan a lowable in a work like this, but knowing that no people or nation 
ever attained to any hioh degree of eminence in art, manufacture, commerce or 
XeiSwithou educational training, I feel I owe no apology for what 1 have 
donTi consider education to be the surest road loading to national groatness, com- 
necial prosperity, and individual distinction. I devote a brief space to the uiifortun- 
•Ueori^n aid happy conclusion of the late rebellion, which with he hateful rathe 
in Si™ is. I hope^, crushed for ever. The historical sketch of the prominent men 
of the 42e will al vuys be read with considerable interest, as showing that various 
Siff^^nnX aid occupations, when pursued with diligence and rectitude, may 
lead to personal distinction and wealth. 

History is valuable, as being the only means of preserving and perpetuating the 
hero c deeds of our ancestors. History is still infinitely more valuable, as l;ei"gthe 
meTis of transmitting to our decendants acts worthy of their imtation, which, il allowed 
ZZ ?nto he gulf If oblivion, would be lost for ever, inflicting on them "u^ri-epar- 
able loss A record of the noble deeds and good acts of our ancestors inspires us 
ShseSinients of pride, which prompt tolove and do what is right, and hate and 
avoid what is wrong. 



INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES. 



CHAPTER I. 

Our people are accustomed to speak of our prosperity and great- 
ness, in language wliich may seem to deal too freely in hyperboles ; but 
notwithstanding a temporary depression felt at present, (1850) arising 
from causes which time will remove, and which are explained in a subse- 
quent chapter of this work, I can assert from personal knowledge, as 
well as from the concurrent testimony of travelers and the press, that no 
country or state has perhaps ever advanced so rapidly along the path of 
improvement and civilization, as ^Visconsin. I am not to be understood 
as including large accumulations of money in the march of progressive 
improvements, thougli I could point out many that have amassed consid- 
erable fortunes from the legitimate pursuits of trade and commerce,, as 
well, as from the yearly inei easing value of real estate. From the year 
1850, real estate continued to increase in demand and price, till the re- 
vultion which took place in the year 1857. During this time, specula- 
tors in real estate, encoixraged by their continued success for so many 
years, greedily bought up all they could find, till 57, when, in the zenith 
of their prosperity, unexpectedly came the revultion, which like an alpino 
avalanche swept them down to the depths of disappointment, at least such 
as had large quantities of unproductive properties. After 57 real estate 
became a drug, and expecting better times the owners held on. Another 
year came and they found themselves in a worse position. Things con- 
tinued to grow v,^orse every succeeding year, no one being ready to pur- 
chase. The property was liable to pay taxes every year, and if the own- 
er became delinquent, a tax title deed was immediately granted against 
him to some one, who lives by such trafSe. In this way matters went on 
till the commencement of the rebellion, whicli necessarily brought on the 
climax of taxation to meet the exigencies of that unnatural struggle, com- 
pletely annihilating large owners of unproductive properties, while the 
exorbitant prices of agricultural produce made the occupant working far- 
mers comparatively rich, so far. While the ratio of increase in the price of 
produce exceeded that of taxation, the condition of the farming classes 
continued to improve. In a new country where land and labor must 
necessarily form the chief capital, money cannot accumulate rapidly in the 
rural districts ; but with the daily increasing amount of labor now 
crowding in upon us from every point ; the unequaled fertility of our 



8 Indusxui.u Resources 

soil ; the saluDrity of our climate; and the facilities of intercourse, both 
iaternal and external, wliieli are ever/ day multijjlying around us, the 
reality far exceeds the most gluwing terms that can be employed in its 
praise. 

A few years ago, the dark and silent forest ; the green rolling prairie; 
the crystal waters of its thousand lalces, and as many murmuring streams 
and rivers, served onlj to feed the agile deer, the unweildy builalo, and 
the roving tribes of naked Indians, that claimed this wild but beautiful 
region, as their inheritance. 

But now a different state of things is visible. Now an ocean of 
waving crops of golden hue, occupies the place of the gloomy forest ; and 
the bustle of the busy reaper, the merry prattle of the light hearted 
maid, and the gladdening accents of the farmers family fill the air, ban- 
ishing its wanted silence, and giving the whole scene around, an aspect of 
industrial activity, cheerfulness and joy, which cannot be equaled in any 
country burdened with rack-rents, taxes, poor rates, and a thousand other 
charges calculated to disliearten the people, and leave no hope of improv- 
ing their condition. The tens of thousands of horned cattle that graze 
in contented and lazy luxuriance on the boundless prairies, have banished 
the unwieldy buffalo to the Rocky Mountains, and the march of civiliza- 
tion which seems to keep pace with the sun as he rolls westward chasing 
the gloom of night, has driven the red man beyond the father of rivers. 
The lakes and rivers visited only by the buffalo and Indian, when the 
cravings of appetite urged them thither, are now covered with fleets of 
steamboats and sailing crafts, bearing the produee of this golden region to 
the ocean, and returning laden with the luxuries of distant climes. The 
monotonous aspect of the rolling prairie is broken and enlivened by num- 
erous cheerful dwellings with which it is dotted here and there, among 
cultivated fields of various hues, and luxuriant pastures of the deepest 
green, stocked with cows, horses and sheep, which add life and animation 
to the scene. The silence of the lonely lake, embosomed between sloping 
heights and frowning bluffs, covered to their top with the towering mon- 
archs of the forest, and with the more humble, but not less beautiful 
tribes of evergreens, which add grace and beauty to the prospect, is bro- 
ken by the incossent stroke of the hammer, the clattering of the mill, and 
the snorting of the steam engine, giving motion to machinery of various 
sorts ; and b}^ the multitude of busy citizens that people the new city, 
which has sprung up, a.i' if by magic. 

The ample river, whose silence was broken only by the murmurs of 
its own waters, as they glided along liaving invited the industrieus mul- 
titude to settle on its banks, towns and villages, with saw and grist mills, 
stores and lumber yards, workshops and private dwellings start into exis- 
tancc in a single year. 



OF Wisconsin. • 9 

Hereditary titles and the law of entail have been productive of much 
evil in the old country, elevating one branch of a family, and depressing 
the other, merely with a view to create and perpetuate an aristocracy in 
the land, than which nothing could operate worse on the general frame of 
society. Tliis remark is strikingly illustrated by the state of society in 
Ireland, where the desceudents of the same parents are socially as far as- 
under as tlie poles. If personal merit deserves titles, I have no objection 
that,. under a monarchical government, they should be conferred on him 
wlio gained them ; but his heir by law, who pevhaps may be an idiot or 
wicked man, has no personal right to them. If intellectual talent or in- 
dustrial activity accumulates wealth, the owner has a perfect right to en- 
joy it to an unlimited extent, but as the laws of nature dictate ho prefer- 
ence of one cliild to another, the father who leaves one child rich and all 
the rest poor, violates a natural law, proceeding from the fountain of jus- 
tice. He does more, he lays the foundation of an evil which separates 
the people into distinct classes, making the millions poor and dependant, 
and tlie tens wealthy and exclusive. We cannot see these remarks fully 
illustrated in this free republic, where equality, the natural birthright of 
man, is acknowledged. In Ireland, .(and perhaps I might include Eng- 
land and Scotland too. but not in the same degree,) they are exemplified 
to the very letter. In Ireland the few are rich, and the many poor. 
This state of things will induce thousands to quit that country which af- 
fords neither position in society, nor the means of comfortable existence ; 
a country whose vital powers are wasting away under a disorder which 
yields to no external application ; a disorder which effects no self-cure ; 
a disorder which seems irrosistable in its progress, to effect evil in every 
department, and among every class ; a disorder consuming all the avail- 
able resources of the .country ; reducing even the landlords to a state 
bordering on destitution, and obliging many to abandon their land alto- 
gether, from inability to fulfill its liabilities, the poor rates, with other 
charges, in many cases, exceeding the available receipts. Under such dis- 
couraging circumstances, how thankful should they be to the Supreme Ru- 
ler of all nations, for having provided for them, as well as for the dis- 
tress,ed of all other European nations, a safety-valve by which to escape, 
a home to shelter them, and a land to feed them. Let tlicni therefore 
not hesitate to come where a demand exists for labor : where land can bo 
had cheap ; wliere the law knows no class ; where situation of honor and 
trust arc open to merit ;* where it may be said that every one has a 
vote which virtually goes to make the laws by which he is to be governed 



*) As an illui«tration of this fact, the late ill fated Lincoln, Governor of this 
great nation was, in hia early da}', a rail splitter and his successor in office was a 
tailor by trade and was taught to read and write by his wife, after their marriage. 



iO IndustTvIal Eesoukcks 

Avliere llio exemption laws secure a home to all whose labor may iiave ac- 
quired it, a sacred spot of free earth -which he can call his own, a spot 
which will be an asylum in times of adversity, from Avhicli the v.'ifc and 
children, old age and infancy, can still draw sustenance, and claim j)ro- 
tection, though misfortune may rob them of all else, and then feel that 
they are still free, still entitled to walk the green earth, and breathe the 
free air of heaven "in defiance of power and potency of accumulated 
wealth, and the domineering hauteaur of the ambitious." I should be 
sorry it would be supposed from this quotation, that I am for limiting 
the accumulation of wealtli 1)y individuals ; as that would be checking 
private enterprise and the legitimate exercise of individual activity. I 
am well aware that many good men possessing great wealth feel convinced 
of the truth, that, "Avealth has its duties, as well as its rights." To such 
persons, the cjuotation does not apply. To return to the subject of home- 
stead exemption, the law which exempts forty acres of land, with a house 
and all its appurtenances, from execution, secures a home for every famil3\ 
whose honest labor may have obtained it, guarding against the weakness, 
the vices, or misfortunes of tlie father, riveting the affections of the child, 
in years of manliood, by a stronger tie than any consideration that could 
exist, and imprinting on his memory, in characters never to bo effaced, 
the stream upon whose flowery lianks he had ])layed, and in Avhose limpid 
waters he had bathed, often in ,thoughtless insecurity : "the favorite 
spot where he had gamboled in the innocence of childliood ; the family 
altar where he felt a mother's love, and bent the knee in youthful obe- 
dience to the will of his Maker;" the green spot containing the ashes of 
those he had once loved ; every hill and hollow ; every plant and flower ; 
every shrub and tree : and every object however trivial, occupying a 
place on the farni which contains his home. Besides a house and forty 
acres of land, the law of this state exempts from execution or sale, the 
family bible, family pictures, school books and library, a seat or pew in a 
house of public worship, the rites of burial of the dead, all wearing ap- 
parel ; all beds and bedding ; all stoves, cooking utensils and furniture, 
not exceeding ^200 in value ; two cows, ten swine, oiie yoke of oxen and 
one hoi'se ; ten sheep, all the wool from the same, tlie necessary food for 
all this stock for one year, one wagon, cart, or dray, one sleigh, one 
plow, one drag and other farming imijlemonts, not exceeding fifty dollars 
in value ; provisions for one year, fuel for one year, tools and implements, 
or stock in trade of any mechanic, miner, or other person, used for the 
purpose of carrying on his trade, not exceeding ^i!00. These are ex- 
emptions which place us here beyond the reach of abject poverty, or ab- 
solute want. Contrast these privileges, and the freedom of our institu- 
tions with the farmer's present enjoyment or future prospects in Ireland, 
and the question arises how any one could remain there ? Here the Irish 



01' WlSCON.'i^IN. 11 

exert their latent energies and t]lro^y off tlie slothful habits produced by a 
worn out system of society, and numerous other causes operating for cen- 
turies. Where no prospect of improvement is seen in the distance, we 
rest satisfied with our present condition, however low — ^just so in Ireland; 
but the prospect of reward sweetens labor and stimulates to exertion, as 
is fully proved by the laborious exertions of the Irish in executing our 
public works. At home the Irish get no remuneration for their labor, 
here they are highly remunerated. Therefore if the Irish are charged 
witli the sin of idleness at home, they can assign a reason sufficient and 
ample. The government of tliis country could not advance the interest 
of the state more effectually than to hold out still greater inducements to 
foreigners and others living in distant states, by giving all the disposable 
land in the state, free to actual settlers, charging only the bare expense 
of the survey and transfer. The more rapid our growth in population, 
the sooner will all our industrial resources be fhlly developed. The 
sooner we fill our state with strangers, the sooner will they be taught 
to adopt our ])abits, and comply with all our modes of action. The soil 
constitutes the rav/ material, which, while unwrought is worse than use- 
less, but under the operation, of labor, becomes national wealth. Our own 
natural growth, unassisted by foreign immigration, would require ages to 
supply sufficient labor to till the, ground, and raise from it all it ' is capa- 
ble of yielding. Therefore it is the interest of ail, to induce foreigners to 
settle among us, notwithstanding the opinion of a few, possepsiug strong 
Native American feeling, to the contrary. The sooner, too, on another 
account, we fill our state, the better : as though the daily influx of stran- 
gers, may be considered as a means of improving the manners- of sosiety, 
yet the history of the human race shows that no real progress can be made 
in the elevation and refinement of a people, till they settle down and cease 
to be migratory. A tree must plant its roots deep in the soil, before its 
branches can ascend in symmetry towards the heavens, so it is with a 
government, which must plant the love of its institutions deep in the 
hearts of its people, before the nation can ascend in majestic ])eauty to- 
wards perfectiun and permanency. Natural elements, heterogeneous in 
character, cannot settle down into a state of quiescence till the process of 
eifervescenee, which takes place from their admixture, is over : so is it 
with a population like ours, composed, as it is, of heterogeneous masses 
collected together from every quarter of the globe. The -'gaseous dis- 
cord" generated by the admixture of different habits, ciistoms. passions 
and feelings must get time to escape, before a society composed of such 
jaring elements can settle into a state of permanent quietude. For this 
reason, the sooner we fill the state, the better. But though these ele- 
ments may jar for a moment, like different metals in the furnace, yet the 
amalgamation of the races, by intermarriage, must produce the most per- 



]2 IXDUSTUIAL IvBSOUilCK- 

fect race of men that lias over appeared upon cartli. The metal is puri- 
iied in the furnaoo by banishing all its impurities in the process of fusion, 
and cnnibining by natural affinity the remaining relined materials ; s) is 
it with races, not only of men, but of all {he inferior animals, which are 
invariably improved by crossing the breeds. This view of the case holds 
good in the vegetable kingdom also. By grafting on the wildest crab 
tree, the most delicious fruit is in time produced. The history of the 
world proves that races of an inipruved character are invariably produced 
by the fusion of different races. Tlie surprising races of the old world 
were the oifspring of such fusion, and no doubt all the powei'ful nations 
of Europe were, from time to time, rcconstnicted, by the amalgamation 
of diffei'cnt races, and the more heterogeneous the elements, of which they 
were composed, the more powerful the i*ace. Hence, [ argne that Ameri- 
ca, at no very distant period, must produce the most perfect race of men, 
both as regards intellectual and physical powers, of any people, eitlier of 
ancient or modern times. 

Long indulgence in ease and liisnry, and the intermai*riage of noble 
families, for ages, to prevent the intermixture o( plebeian blood, have led 
to the degeneracy of many of the old nobility of Europe, both mentally 
and physically.' Thus impaired in minil and body, and their overgrown 
hereditary fttrtune ruined by long indulgence in c.-ctravagant habits, many 
of the nobility, improve their condition in every respect, by marrying the 
daughters of wealtiiy bankers, manufacturers, ur merchants. Such alli- 
ances have invariably tended not only to improve the worldly condition of 
the noble spendthrifts, but also, by the infusion of new blood, derived from 
a class kept in a healthy condition, by temperance and industrial activity, 
to revive the exhausted faculties of the mind and body, and thus prevent 
the approach to idiotc}^, and in many cases, to the total extinction of 
nlimcrous families. Nobility always originates in worth, but very often 
ends in degeneracy. (Original titles are only conferred on men of talent 
and public usefulness ; but hereditary titles and wealth, frequently lead 
to intemperance, imbecility and total extinction. No such result can 
arise in such a republic as ours, where the law of primogeniture is un- 
known — where industrial activity, and individual worth alone can expect to 
be rewarded — where the portals leading to every post of honor and emol- 
ument are tlirown open to all, irrespective of class, creed, or station — 
where industry and labor are always rev/ardcd, but never disparaged — 
and where every man must live by the sweat of his own brow. 

At present, whatever industrial activity exist in Wisconsin is distri- 
buted along the Michigan and Superior lake sliores, along the Mississippi 
river, through the mining regions, and along the navigable streams on 
which the lumber trade is conducted. The pineries from which we obtain 
the enormous supply for home consumption, and for distant markets. 



-OF WlSCONSIX. l3 

mentioned in a subsequent chapter, exibit a scene trf industrial activity, 
of which no one, without seeing it, could have any conception. Eut 
with these exceptions, and the newly constructed rail and plank roads, the 
work which employs the bulk of the rest of our population, is agriculture, 
which in places inaccessible to markets, is not remunerative, but very 
much so, in places where produce can be disposed of. To extend the 
sphere of industrial activity, and distribute its manifold advantages among 
all classes, good roads are indispensable. At certain seasons of the year, 
many of the common roads of Wisconsin, as well as of other western 
states, are impassable : therefore plank roads ought to be constructed 
where want of sufficient capital precludes the possibility of building a 
better. Even in seasons when our common roads are passable, the ex. 
penditure of power in drawing a given weight on them is vei-y considera- 
ble, as compared with, that required to draw the same over a plank road. 
It is computed that to draw a ton weight on an ordinarj^ common road, 
requires a pull of one hundred and forty-seven pounds, and to draw a 
ton on a plank road, requires only a pull of twenty-thxee pounds. The 
first step towards civilization and national prosperity is facility of inter- 
course, as afforded by good roads, and therefore, while the capital invested 
in such public improvements has, in most instances, remunerated the 
projectors, they have established a just claim to public gratitude. Next 
to the means of instructions, facility of intercourse tends most to improve 
the condition of a people. Plank roads radiating from every town in the 
state, would effect a saving in the single article of fire wood, equal to the 
expense of construction, not to mention the various articles of produce, 
which every town requires for its consumption, I must again repeat, that 
we must regard those as the best benefactors who open up the avenues 
leading to the richest resources of the country, placing at the very doors 
of the inhabitants of every district, the means of the most perfect access 
to markets where they may dispose of, or barter, their spare produce, ' 
either for cash, or such necessaries as they may stand in need of. 

What plank roads are to a district, rail roads are to a nation. Plank 
roads develop the industrial resources of a district, rail roads develop 
the industrial resources of a nation. 

The superiority of a rail road over any other, even the most perfect 
in England, is too manifest to admit of rivalry ; possessing, as it does, 
unlimited means of accommodation, either for the rapid transmission of 
any amount of merchandize, or of any number of passengers, with wiiom 
time is in general, an element of profit, entering largely into every trans- 
action in which the traveling public arc engaged. Kail roads have proved 
of such paramount advantage in England, that they have superceded the 
best common roads in the world, banishing the mail coaches, and all other 
public conveyances whatever, and giving to the nation a degree of com- 



;]4 Industrial Resources 

mercial and manufacturing superiority, which slio never coukl have at- 
tained to, under tlie old system of traveling, for which she had been so 
justly celebrated. When rail roads have conferred on England, a mere 
cabbage garden, such eommefcial advantages, what must their effect be ou 
the interests of America, remarkable for the ostent of its territory the 
variety of its natural products, and the traveling propensity of its inhabi- 
tants. When English rail i-oads pay a handsome percentage on the outlay, 
what must not we expect from capital invested in American rail roads. The 
cno-ineeruig difficulties in England, the vast sums demanded for the right of 
way, the lavish expenditure of capital in obtaining a cliarter, and the enor- 
mous expense of unnecessary embellishments, all tend to diminish the profits 
of the stock holders. In Wisconsin, at least, companies undertaking to 
build rail roads have none of these to contend with ; their profits there- 
fore, must be proportionably largo. If capitalists in wealthy England 
were aware of these facts, they would gladly loan on rail road security in 
"W^isconsin, getting what is unknown there, a large percentage on the very 
best security. If capitalists in England were aware of the extensive 
field open for th-cm here, for the secure and provitable investment of 
money, at fire or six per cent ; their spare capital need not be abegging 
at home at two per cent. Having made this digroesion, I shall notice a 
few of the circumstances under which we exist, as regards our position, 
our capabilities, and our prospects from rapid intercourse, with every part 
of the state, as well as with every state in the Union. Commercial travel- 
ers in the large manufacturing towns in England, find it their advantage 
to fly to their customers removed from them but a short distance, com- 
parativelyly, to take or solicit orders for their cutler}^ their plated ware, 
their broadcloth, their crockery, their calico, and such other articles as 
they may have to dispose of. A few hours would bo sufficient to bring 
them, by well appointed coaches, on the best possible roads, to the most 
distant out posts, where they did business : therefore the saving of time, 
by going in a rail road car, could amount, at the utmost, l)ut to a few 
hours. What is this minute saving of time in jjursuit of customers to 
purchase a few routine articles, of manufacture, useful no doubt, and iu- 
disriensible, in their way, when put in competition with the great moral 
revolution that must necessarily result from a system of railways in Wis- 
consin, in connection v/itlrothers leading to the most distant parts of the 
Union. The vast extent of America gives her all the necessary products 
of the whole world, except tea, and that too can be propogated in some of 
the southern countries, by proper and judicious management. Situated 
somewhat midway, (for^in America a few hundred miles make little dif- 
ference,) between the broad Atlantic and the still broader Pacific ocean, 
Wisconsin, by means of an extensive system of railways connecting these 
shores, and connecting Spitsbergen with Cape Horn, may exchange her 



OF Vv'ltCOXSIN. 15 

various and abundant natural products for the manifold luxuries of every 
3lime. It is in such a vast spread continent, connected together by a 
aet-work system of railroads, that a savisig of time, to some amount, can 
be effected. Such a system of railways will have the effect, not only of 
saving time, but also of ejctending commerce, spreading civilization, break- 
ing down differences uf long standing, removing antipathies, many of 
bliem merely imaginary, and of bringing about a moral revolution une- 
c^ualed in any country on earth. All this may appear fanciful ; but every 
day brings to light some reality more wonderful and dazzling than the 
wildest imagination of our fathers. The most marvelous fairy tales to 
which I often listened, in early childhood, with trembling delight, were 
but mere sliadows, when compared with what we see now, the realities of 
daily life. The wooden horse that bore his rider on his journey, by tur- 
ning a pin, is but a feeble emblem of our iron horse, breathing fire and 
cloud, sweeping by with the roar of a tempest and the speed of an eagle 
in his irresistible career. Water this mighty horse in the morning, in our 
crystal lake, feed him in the woods, and at noon he shall slake his renew- 
ed thirst in the turbid waters of the father of rivers ; and in the evening 
refresh himself on the banks of the briny waters of the great Pacific. This 
iron horse, the creation of a master mind, fed upon the antagonistic ele- 
ments, fire and water, is destined to drav/ together into close intimacv, 
all the families of the human race, by annihilating time and space The 
magic gem v/hose change ef color told the fate of a distant friend, or the 
enchanted mirror that revealed to the heroine the form of her lover, are 
more than equaled by the spells of the modern application of science. 
The Daguerreotype fixes on its polished surface the invisible ghost of the 
passing picture, and evokes it to sight. The electric telegraph not only warns 
but discourses, by printing its message. The thief has scarcely time to 
pocket the stolen purse, before he is gazetted at the most distant point of 
the nation ; and the amorous lover has scarcely procured a cab to convey 
his fancied prize to the next railway station, before the bands are forbid- 
den at "Gretna Green." One man tamed the subtile fluid, and another 
taught it to speak. Nothing could afford a more practical illustration of 
the wonderful rapidity with which news is transmitted through everv 
part of this wide spread country than was afforded by the last Presiden- 
tial election. Too ballot box was closed with the setting of the sun, on 
the day of election, (2d November), in every town and city throup-hout 
the Union, and before the inhabitants of 3Ii}waukee had retired to rest, 
the telegraph wires brought the news of the victorious party. Look to 
the length and breath of this Union, count the thousands and tens of 
thousands of cities, towns and villages spread all over it in every direc- 
tion, and then consider the achievements effected by the modern applica- 
tion of science. Is it not wonderful ? I could adduce instances, ad in- 



16 ■ Industkial Resoukces 

finitum, showing the wonderful improvements made in my day in every 
department of art &c., and tlie resulting eiFects produced on the genera} 
frame of society, by diminishing manual labor and substituting the power 
of tlie mind for brute forces. I remember, when the plough banished the 
spade from the field, and wlicn the spinning Jenny displaced the spinning 
wheel, the former performing more in a day than scores of women, working 
from dark to dark. The introduction of the power loom sent the hand 
weavers to the poor house, by the thousand, while the improved modes of 
manufacturing nails drove all the nailers, already too poor, to absolute 
beggary. The sciences of geology and chemistry have enabled the agri- 
culturist to improve the quality of the soil, by the application of proper 
manures, while the modern reaper and threshing machine performed the 
work of legions, using the old hook and flail. 

The sowing machines now in use in almost every family has produced 
a marvelous change in the old mode of propelling the needle by the power 
of the middle finger. This invention, trifling as it may appear, required 
a knowledge of scientific mechanism of no ordinary degree. Without a 
knowledge of science, all the working tailors and sewing women in Chris- 
tendom could not produce so ingenious a piece of mechanism. Lord lioss 
had to invoke the aid of science in the construction of his wonderful teles- 
cope, which leads to infinity of space and faintness — which places the 
traveler on mountain-top, where foot never trod — which shows the sailor 
his place in the deep and the object of his pursuit in the gloom of night — 
which shows the stars whose faint light is lost in the sunshine — carries 
us beyond our own abode ; and in the glimses it gives us of the condition 
of other worlds, adds "a mighty voice to the acclaim in which the firma- 
ment declares thp glory of God.'" 

What a field has Dalton's atonic theory opened to the chemist ? As 
well as Lord Ross' Monster telescope has revealed new worlds at a dist 
tance, so has the improved microscope revealed new world in objects tha- 
present tl>emselves to our view every day of our lives. In a single drop 
of water, the microscope reveals many living beings, quick in their motion 
and perfect in their organization : on a square foot of a stagnant pool, 
that wonderful instrument exhibits to view many millions of living beings, 
and in a piece of chalk, as many millions of departed beings, which enjoy- 
ed life perhaps millions of years ago, all of which had been unknown be- 
fore to unassisted vision. It has opened to our view the arrangement 
which nature employs in forming different bodies, as may be seen in the 
transverse sections of difl"ercnt woods and other diS'erent substances ; and 
ghowes the circulation of the sap, which is somewhat similar to the circu- 
lation of the bloftd in living animals — thus opening to view many of the 
mysteries of nature, which before had been hidden. This instrument 



OF ^VlSCONSIN. ., 17 

throws new light on the sciences of animal and vegetable physiology and 
entiiiiology, which, without, could not possibly have attained to their 
present state of perfection. 

The lucifer match 'which has rescued many a knuckle and thumb 
from the repeated assaults of the steel and flint, has required scientific 
skill in its discovery, trifling as it may appear. 

"When employed on the government survey of the County of Corn- 
wal, England, I witnessed the pumps employed in unwateriug the great 
mines perform work, only a fraction of which could be done by the joint 
brute force of a nation, unassisted by steam and suitable machinery. 

What has the application of electricity, as recently invented by J. N. 
Gamewell, effected in our city ? Under the skillful superintendence of 
our fellow townsman, Patrick McLaughlin, the Fire Alarm and Police 
Telegraph communicates intelligence of lire from any point of our city to 
the Chief Engineer of the fire department in a few seconds, \yith the 
celerity almost equal to that of electricity, the superintendent appears at the 
scene of the devouring conflagration, which he begins to subdue with the 
skill and courage of the most experienced veteran general, encouracino- his 
fire brigade by his own example, being always found at the most danger- 
ous point himself, to the terror and fear for his safety, of the multitude 
that usually crowd] to behold such terrific scenes. Mr. McLano-hlin has 
been recently presented with a valuable Gold Watch and Chain by the 
Board of Underwriters as a testimony of their appreciation of his conduct 
and efficiency, as chief engineer of the Milwaukee fire department, which 
reflects honor on therecepient, while it proves the discriminating judgment 
•f those who conferred so well deserved and munificent a gift. 

The Atlantic cable and others about to be submerged will enable the 
sovereigns of Europe and the President of our Republic to reciprocate 
friendly inquiries, while some are taking their Sparkliiiir Catawba at 
lunch, and the President his tea and toast at breakfast. 

What improvements do I recollect in the general mode of traveling, 
resulting from improved construction of common roads, not to mention 
the Vv'onderful facilities aflbrded by horse, atmospheric, and steam rail 
roads. 

I have seen the tubular bridge connecting the Island of Anglesea and 
the principality of Wales, and to place it where it now stands, would re- 
quire more power than the joint brute force of the present human family, 
unassisted by machinery constructed on scientific principles. I have seen its 
neighbor, the suspension bridge, which was once considered a nev/ wonder 
of the world, I have seen, and walked over, in giddy security, the sus- 
pension bridge near the far-famed Niagara Falls, and have read of the 
new tubular bridge crossing the St. Lawrence, at Montreal, both constructed 
by men. whose mechanical skill must have been guided by science. Compa- 



is iNDUSTraAL PtI!:S0UKCE3 

rativo anatomy is the cliiid of our clay. This modern science places be- 
fore you the creature that inhalntod this earth millions of years ago. Dr. 
Owen builds up a large animal from the fragment of a fossil tooth. 

Professor Agazsis will place before you a rude flsli of former ages 
from a siua;le fossil boon. A combined knowledge of Oeology and com- 
parative anatomy enables us toread tlie natural history of past ages, 
which is written in legible characters, on the rocks composing the orust 
of our planet. Is not all this wonderful 'i 

What has effected all these modern Avonders? knowledge, who then 
will deny the wise saying, that "knowledge is power." Fully per.=uaded 
of the truth, that knowledge is power, the wisdom of American legislation 
has provided every class amply witli the means of acquiring useful knowl- 
edge, which cannot fail to diminish crime, promote virtue, banish super- 
stition, make all our citizens more useful, and better members of society, 
and add to the amount of national happiness. The glistening domes of 
our palaces of education bear ample testimony to the stranger, as ne ap- 
proaches the cj^ueen city of the lakes, that our rulers have not been un- 
mindful of o.ur intellectual culture. Every ward in our city has its beau- 
tiful and ornamental building, in which the rich and poor of every class, 
religion, and creed, can sit down together, side by side, and receive in- 
structions in such useful branches of education as are calculated to pro- 
mote their usefulness, as men and citizens. Nothing sectarian or political 
should make its way to that fountain from which all arc to imbibe useful 
knowledge. Let all come together and draw from that fountain the knowledge 
which fits them for the world anci makes them useful citizens, and from their 
respective clergy and parents, the knowledge which fits them for heaven. In 
a system of mixed education, useful knowledge bearing on the ordinary afi'airs 
of life and morality, should alone be taught in schools. Nothing tends more 
to sour the mind, engender a lasting hatred, and keep iip sectarian feuds, than 
to educate the youth apart, and poison their tender minds with the noxi- 
ous bigotry, which never fails to grow to maturity in rank luxuriance, 
under the fostering care of contendmg parties. Away with that hateful 
cant, which had so long retarded the progress of education in Ireland, 
and inflicted upon that unfortunate, but beautiful country, more lasting 
injuries than the potatoe blight itself. No impression is so lasting as 
those of early life— no sentiment so enduring. The lessons learned in 
early childhood are retained in old age, while those learned in mature 
years are sometimes soon forgotten. There is no friendship so pure, so 
liberal, so lasting as that which springs up in early life at school, in 
young hearts contending for the literary and scientific laurels which, in 
after life, add dignity, honor, and renown to the brow that wears them. 
With what fond recollections do we dwell on the scenes and incidents of 
our school-boy days. Why then should children be separated at an age 
when the tender mind ib susceptible of forming the most lasting and en- 



OF WiSCOXSlA. 19 

nobling seiitimeats of ovir nature ; such a separation is tlie beginning of 
a lasting hatred, forming a line of demarlcation which can never after be 
broken down. While I am anxious to inculcate liberal principles, by 
breaking down those barriers which separate sects, I am equally anxious 
to keep places of education free from anything bordering on an unfair 
system of proselytism, which oftener springs from hatred than love. 

Besides tlie evil here pointed out, the financial dif&culty presented 
by an unmixed system of education, on a free principle, is almost unsur- 
mountable. If every religious sect claiming free access to our common 
schools were to be educated apart, how many additional school houses 
should we require in every ward of our city ? how many additional corps 
of teachers ? how much additional expense should be incun-ed by the city 
to give every individual the advantage of a common school education, to 
which he is entitled by the wisdom of our laws ? And. what is true of 
our .largest cities in the state is equally true of every township. 

Beligious bickerings of long standing have led to the cause of justi- 
fying the opprobrious epithet, "the ignorant Irish." This is humiliating 
to a country, which once, in ancient days, could truthfully boast of hav- 
ing educated men from many of the most enlightened nations of Europe. 
This, indeed, is hurailating to the birth place ot Burke, Sheridan, and 
Swift ; of Curran and Grratton ; of Philipps and Shiel ; of O'Conneli 
and Plunkett ; of Bush and Ponsonby ; of Cahil and Meagher, and of 
ten thousand others, whose -eloquence points out their time, as the Gol- 
den Age of modern oratory. What department of literature or science, 
I would ask, in which Irishmen do not hold a conspicious place ? In 
poetry she has her Groldsmith and Moore ; in science it would be invidi- 
ous to name a few out of the galaxy of names that adorn her character. 
Her sons have been the recipients of the gold medal of the Royal Society, 
over which an Irish Nobleman, Lord Ross, once presided. It is gener- 
ally conceded that no nation in Europe is more susceptible of mental cul- 
ture than the masses of the Irish, as is daily proved by the many names 
that have adorned the respective spheres in which they have moved. 
Lord Avenmore was a poor scholar and the sou of a peasant. The gifted 
Curran McColough, late fellow of Trinity College, Dublin : Sir Robert 
Kane, President of the Queen's College, Cork ; Sir Wm. Hamilton, 
astronomer for Trinity College ; Dr. Romny Robinson, astronomer fr^- 
Armagh ; Charles Lever and a thousand others that I could nair;fc\ are 
indebted more to their individual talent than to patrimonial wealili, for 
the high and distinguished position they occupy in eloquence and si ience. 
Dr. John O'Donovon, the best Irish scholar of the age ; and Johu 
Walsh the best criminal lawyer of his day, sprang from the people aad 
commenced their career with me, as classical assistants, in the "Dahlia 



20 



iNDusiraAL Resource: 



Academical Institution/' Carloian, Bannin, and a host of others, who 
amuse the ^vorld with their traits and stories, have raised themsoxvcs 
above the masses unassisted by wealth or family patronage. 

With all these bright examples before them, it is to be hoped th.it 
the Irish in this country will avail themselves of the facilities for acciui- 
rina an education offered by our public schools. It is gratifying to every 
trul lover of his country, to mark the progress already made in this _ di- 
rection \lready the children of unlearned Irish parents occupy positions 
of honor and trust, and it will be a happy day for Ireland, when her 
people awakened to their best and truest interests, will take advantage 
of every means of education as the best way of insuring their happmess, 
and elevating Iheir race An educated Irish gentleman has no rehgious 
or political prejudices, as is proved by the well known inscription once 
over the parlor door of the immortal O'Connell, at Dermane Abbey, 
which read, "Let no religion or politics be discussed here." This motto 
was worthy of the man. O'Connell was a truly religious man, but the 
closet was his favorite place to commune with his God, and the altar tne 
appropriate place to offer sacrifice. At the Hustings and in the House 
of Commons he discussed politics; at his monster meetings he painted 
the national grievances and asked for the co-operation of the people, xn 
private life he knew no man by his religion. Would to God that Irishmen 
at home and abroad would follow his example. Before dismissing this 
subject I would observe, that any religious denomination is justified m 
havincr their children educated unmixed, if they think proper, provided 
they Jay aU the expenses out of their own pockets ; but I question it 
children thus educated apart, on the score of religion are liKely to make 
the better citizens ; the very fact of being separated at an early age on 
account of religion, engenders bigotry and religious hostdity. 

T>^e National schools in Ireland have effected a vast improvement in 
the intellectual condition of the youth of that country, many _ct 
whom can not only read and write well, but are also acquainted witn 
Arithmetic, Geometry. Mensuration, Book-Keeping, and other 
branches of practical utility. These free schools have extended the use 
of the english language among the old people, which is a step m the ngnt 

direction. , x< .^ „ 

With the view to secure the benefit of gratuitous education ot tne 
poor of all religious denominations, might not the plan pursued in the 
National schools of Ireland be adopted in this country. In every Na- 
tional school, a room is set apart, where the clergyman of each rehgiou.s 
persuasion gives religious instructions for two hours on a given day oi 
the weekto^the chikken of his peculiar creed, and obviates the objection 
to mixed education. When the poor have to pay, they will remain m 
.nnorance, if not obliged to attend school by compulsion. 



OF WiSCON'SIN. 21 

\Vhilc I was engaged ia writing some text-books for the Irish schools, 
the plan adopted by the Board of Education seemed to work'well and 
harmoniously : but now I know nothing of their doings. 

In connection v;ith the subject ef education, it may not be considered 
irrelevant to show, that a diversity of languages retards national progress, 
while uniformity of speech promotes it. 

To the general diffusion of knowledge among all classes iu this great 
Republic, as provided by the common schools, I attribute iu a great 
measure the marvelous progress it has made among the nations of the 
world in every department of trade and commerce ; in every branch of 
manufacturing industry ; in all the arts of civil and military life ; and 
indeed in everything calculated to make a people happy and great, com- 
manding respect both at home and abroad. Posterity must bless the 
memory of the founders of the older states, for having laid the foundation 
of future greatness, by establishing a common school system for the edu- 
cation of the masses. 

The wisdom of the laws that provide the means of education for every 
individual, rich and poor, high and low, cannot be to highly appreciated. 
The effect of education on the multitude is, to give an elevation of 
thought ; an ease and dignity of manner ; and a generous expansion of 
noble sentiment to every species of mental exertion. Education creates 
noble thoughts ; stimulates the mind to penetrate the hidden mysteries 
of nature ; prompts it to ascend higher and higher in pursuit 
of new knowledge ; teaches the right use of a good fortune, and how to 
be content without it ; strengthens and enlightens the mind ; teaches us* 
to reason and draw proper conclusion ; banishes ignorance, religious 
intolerance, and enables us to take advantage of, and imitate all that 
is good and great in other nations. Free institutions for the education 
of the masses form the most solid and permanent foundation of American 
greatness. The Constitution of the United States, the offspring of in- 
structed and enlightened minds, forms one of the pillars on which our 
future greatness depends. It proclaims tiiat all men are born erjual and 
free : and last, but not least, it gives assurance to every individual, 
that he is protected in life and property, by the laws which he was instru- 
mental in framing, by reason of the privilege conferred by universal suff- 
rage. Universal suffrage confers a power always sufficiently strong to 
protect the poor against any infringment on their rights by the rick and 
despotic. 

This great privilege conferred by the laws of the United States should 
be cherished ; and though what is determined by the majority at the bal- 
lot box may not at all times, be the best, yet it ought to be acnuiesced in 
till another opportunity presents itself to rectify the peoples mistake. 

But this privilege of universal suffrage, like everything human, is 
often shamefully abused. It is a melancholy fact that many of the ig- 
noi-ant are swayed by religious prejudices, while others are tempted to 
grasp the political demagogue's bribe. It is not easy to remedy this evil. 
Education may remove the evil in time, and seldom fails to fill the mind 
with noble sentiments of religious toleration and patriotism. What a pity 
that so precious a gift of the constitution should be so shamefully abused. 

The Principality of Wales is separated from England only by a hill 
^f moderate elevation, and though England, some centuries a.20, had at- 



'I'l Jl-XDUSTRIAL iiESOURCES 

tained te a high degree of eminence in science, literature, and arts ; in 
trade and commerce; in manufacture and machinery; in navagation and 
ship-building, Wales scarcely progressed a single step in the march of im- 
provement, the "Welsh having till very lately, retained the national lan- 
guage, primitive habits and dress withovit any attempt to imitate or follow 
their neiglibors in the luarcli of progressive improvement. Through the 
W^elsh were witbin a call ofEnghnid and of the flourishing town ofLiverpool, 
they still clungi. to their mother language, which was the principal 
cause, indeed the only cause, of their standing still, while the world 
around them were marching with accelerating strides in the various paths 
leading to wealth, to greatness, to refinement. 

When God thought proper to check the presumption of man, who 
Gonceived the idea of building the Toxcer of Bald, he introduced a diver- 
sity of languages amongst the workmen, which put a stop to the impious 
project, at once. Numerous circumstances, highly favorable to the .ex- 
tension and general diffusion of mental and material improvements unite 
in this great countr3^ Amongst the most favorable circumstances that 
tend to facilitate the extension of science, literature, and arts, and indeed 
the general development of the human mind, are one constitution, liberal 
laws, and not the least, one common language. 

We are told by t]ie classic historians of ancient Greece, that the 
. refinement, science, and literature, v,diich had tlieir birth in limited por- 
tiens of that classic land, were enchained to the cradles in whieli they 
were nursed, by surrounding circumstances. This was chiefly caused by 
the diversity of languages then spoken in these places. The langiiag-e of 
Athens, the boasted seat of Grecian refinement, was not spoken at Trace, 
the proverbial abode of ignorance and barbarism, though not far distant 
from the former, 3joth being in sight of each other. Ireland could truth- 
fully boast, at an early day in her history, of having been the seat of all 
the refinement and literature of the day, attracting thither men from all 
parts of Europe to be instructed, while the masses of the people were 
comparativeh^ devoid of intellectual culture. The cause was a diversity of 
languages — Latin being the language of instruction in the celebrated 
institutions of learning, and Irish, the language spoken by the surrounding 
masses. 

At one time, the Irish language may be said to be cx,clusively the 
language of the people of Ireland, which howpVer was not spoken in any 
other part of the world. Phigland then knew as little of Ireland as she 
did of Central Africa, and Ireland was equally ignorant of England, 
though both countries were separated from each other by a channel, in 
some places, not exceeding sixty miles in breadth. England began to im- 
prove centuries ago, both mentally and materially, while Ireland remained 
standing still, being unable to take advantage of the upward progress of 
England, by reason of diversity of languages, and by reason of numer- 
ous other causes which have operated in favor of England, but to the 
disadvantage of Ireland. Among these causes were high rents.absentee land- 
lords, no tenant-right, tithes, middle-men, land-tenure, protective duties, 
religious quarrels, eVc., all of which operated against Ireland, being the 
weaker country. The object of this article is to show the evil effects of 
a diversity of languages. I experience this in my own person eveiy 
day, I live in a part of the city inhabited by Germans, Bohemians, &o. 
I have as little social enjovment as Robinson Cruso had in his solitary 
Island. ' '' 



OF WlSCOX^IN. • 23 

I do not understand a word they speak, nor do they understand me, 
therefore we have as little social intercourse as if we lived a thousand 
miles apart. It would be different, if we spoke one common kingiJage. I 
have lately taken up a newspaper from which it appears, that the 
Luthern Clergymen ohject to any form of education that is not under the 
ackiiovdedged patronage of the church, and therefore they discourage 
the attendance of the childxen of their parishoners at any, but tlie parish 
schools, where the Scandinavian language only is taught. The Scandi- 
navians make good citizens, but are sadly mistaken on two points. If 
every religious denomination and the representatives of all the foreign 
countries of which our American popiilation is chiefly composed were to 
follow the example set them by the Scandinavians, our continent would 
!?c soon converted into a Chaotic Babel. 

The passing events of the age seem to unite in removing the prin- 
cipal obstacles to the spread of knowledge, and in opening up the avenues 
through which kindred spirits and great minds interchange ideas and 
hold intellectual communion, by which new thoughts and nevv^ inventions 
are freely and speedily transmitted from mind to mind, and from nation 
to nation. The Englisb language is now taught in all the common schools, 
and spoken in all tlvo states in the L'nion.— It is also taught and spoken 
in all the British Provinces on this continent ; and if we may offer an 
opinion founded on the passing events of the day, it may not be too far 
in the future, when the English language will be spoken throughout the 
length and breath of the continent of America. From the enterprising 
spirit of our people, our trade and commerce will spread over the- civilized 
world, and our fleets and navies float over every sea. 

British conquest and British enterprise have carried the English lan- 
guage to Africa, India, Australia, and to many of the islands in the West 
Indtes, and those scattered through the south ^scas, Indian and Pacific 
Oceans. All these, together with the modern application of steam and 
electricity, will tend to extend the use of our language, and thereby fa- 
cilitate the transmission and diffusion of knowledge and civilization, giv- 
ing the mind a supremacy over brute force, and a facility of expression, 
which the ancients, in their most extravagant flights of fancy, never 
dreamed of. The English language will soon be the commercial language 
of the whole world, To forsake our native language, whose sounds have 
more charms for the heart and more music for the ear, than the richest 
strains of Tuscan softness, or Castilian majesty, is like the separation of 
an infant from its mother's breast. Our dearest associations are formed 
in early life The tuneful words of our mother, spoken in her native 
language to allay our infantile pain and agony, and sooth ns to sleep, are 
ever treasured up and cherished in our memory. Time cannot erase the 
impressions they make on tke infant heart. Therefore to relinquish the 
use of our mother tongue is' no easy matter. But everything, however 
dear to us, must give way to isationai improvement --- to national pro- 
gress — and to the indefinite expansion of human happiness. 

I care not how many languages individuals may learn, if they pay for 
doing so out of their own purses, and make English the spoken language 
of the country. 

This is a digression which I had not intended, growing out of the 
superlative importance of the subject — knowledge, the evidence and fruits 
of the diffusion thereof are more visible, and practicably illustrated 



24 Industrial Resources 

throughout this country, than perhaps in the njost enlightened parts of 
Europe. In a subsequent chapter, I shall resume the subject of telegraph, 
lines, in detail, as also that of rail, plank and common roads, showing 
their relative usefulness, as means of transit. Aware that this work will 
be extensively read in the old country, I feel anxious to point out in 
general terms the advantages of this country, over any part of the old 
country, as a home for persons able and willing to work. In this country, 
no one has occasion to beg. All have peace and plenty(1859). At present, 
all have plenty, but not peace, as the rebellion still lingers in the south. 
It has however received its death blow by the capture of the principal 
leaders, except General Johnson, who still holds out. He too must soon 
surrender. Jeff. Davis, the president of the confederate states, is now 
(1S65) in the hands of the authorities, and will be soon tried for high 
treason. It is not too much to say that the masses are better fed, better 
clad, and more comfortably lodged in America, than in any part of the 
known world. The laboring man lives well, dresses well, and sleeps com- 
fortably. Though nothing is had here without working or paying for h. 
yet the means of support is so accessible that no one feels apprehensive 
of want ; and though all seem anxious to accumulate wealth, I never 
heard a parent express the smallest anxiety, as to the future^ prospects of 
his offspring. This also arises from the known fact, that boys and girls, 
at a very early age, can provide for themselves, and are known to do so, 
at an age at which English or Irish children could not be entrusted with 
the delivery of an ordinary message. The anxiety of parents in the old 
country respecting the future prospects of their offspring, arises solely 
from the difficulty of providing for them. There a numerous family is a 
burden, here it is a certain source of profit. There the hardest working 
laborer can never possess a permanent interest in the soil, or even live in 
comparative comfort, here every such laborer can live in comfort and 
spare, in a few years, a sum sufficient to purchase real estate, which 
descends to his childi-en ; there a poor man has no vote, and therefore 
has nothing to do with the forming of tiie laws, by which he is governed: 
here every one has a vote, and the law requires no property qualification 
to entitle even the poorest man to take his seat among the legislative as- 
semblies entrusted with the framing of the laws by whioh the nation is 
governed. The prosperity of the country is a positive proof of the wis- 
dom of the laws, and the condition of the treasury is sufficient to convince 
our people that those at the head of the different departments of the 
state, discharge their respective duties with the most serupuious regard 
to economy. Labor, under equitable laws, is the foundation of wealth. 
and no doubt, our prosperity and wealth are, in some degree, owin:r to 
the freedom, wisdom, and liberality of our national institutions, as well as 
to the productive industry of our people. We live in an age of progress. 



OF Wisconsin 25 

and it is not too much to say that we are, emphatically, a nation of pro- 
gress. In the old country, a man will suffer considerably before he en- 
gages in any branch of trade or industry below his former station, from 
which he may have been removed by the force of circumstances, over 
which, perhaps, he had no control ; here every man may engage in any 
Useful pursuit according to his taste or inclination, without the slightest 
fiar of loosing his position in society, or being looked down upon, or 
slighted by his wealthier neighbor, in whose favor he rises in proportion 
to his industry and labor. Here no occupation is considered degrading 
which provides the individual with the means of self-support ; in the old 
country, it is not so. Here the idler, is dispised ; in the old country 
family connection is a license for idleness. 

The political and social condition of all new countries promote a 
degree of ecjuality, which influences the manners of the people. To a 
person accustomed to rank in a higher grade of society, the freedom of 
persons below that grade, is far from being agreeable, at first ; but in a 
republic, where the laws of the constitution make no distinction, or con- 
fer no priviledged rights, every man naturally considers himself as good 
as another. This freedom comes with a good grace from all educated 
persons, but with no relish from the uneducated, who generally mistake 
freedom for uptrusive forwardness ; persons of good common sense how- 
ever, knowing the common right of all to equality in a free country, will 
make due allowance for the absence of those personal acquirements, 
which alone can render men acceptable to all classes. Distinctive rights, 
else than those confered by personal merit, can never promote the wel- 
fare of a new country; and though personal qualities, resulting from early 
habits, education, and good society, as well as from superior skill, talent, 
or honesty may be disregarded by the vulgar, yet time must enforce the 
claim of such qualities and endowments to the universal respect of all 
classes. At present, in this country, as well as in all other new count- 
ries, the great and paramount object of every individual is, to procure the 
actual necessaries of life — food and raiment. Here, it may be assumed, 
tjat there arc no proprietors vfho can let their lands to tenants, at a yearly 
rent — no large fortunes accumulated, except by a few traders in large 
cities : therefore the only means at our immediate command, by 
which to procure the necessaries of life, is labor. Hence it is, that 
manual labor is so much valued and so highly rewarded. Hence it is 
also, that intellectual acquirements are so little valued, and so badly i-e- 
warded. This is the natural result flowing directly from the actual exist- 
ing circumstances of the country. Another result flows from the same 
cause, namely, that skilled labor is neither valued nor rewarded, as 
compared with unskilled labor. From this view of the case, and this 
view is founded on facts, v.^e can easily see why the professors cf science 



2(3 iNDUSTIUAL ReSOUKCES 

and literature in our v'olleges, authors, editors of newspapers, uuni.sters 
of religion, lawyers, physicians, painters, civil engineers and architects 
are so badly paid in tliis country, as compared with similar professions in 
Great Britain and Ireland This state of things has a tendency to retard 
the progress of national refinement and intellectual improvement : as 
without a prospect of adequate pecuniary reward or personal honor, there 
can be no inducement to bestow time and mental labor on these branches 
of art, science, and literature, without which, however, no nation can 
attaiu to that degree of social perfection, or political power, which it 
otherwise would, under more favorable circumstances. Time, however, 
will remedy what is but the natural and inevitable result of causes origi- 
nating in the peculiar circumstances of the country. Industrial labor 
will produce wealth, and wealth, under proper direction and control, will 
produce national refinement. The progress already made in the. arts and 
sciences, as well as in all departments of social life, by all the older 
states of the Union, ftilly illustrates the position I assume, and gives 
a reasonable hope, that Wisconsin, vvith all her natural advantages, will 
follow, close, her older sisters in the rnarch of intellectual and social im- 
provement. ^ Here every one is employed in some industrial branch of 
labor — here the iniiuenpe of family or birth is scarcely felt — here 
there is no dominant sect or church establishment to be paid — here 
it is not considered a disgrace to work at any trade or calling — 
here no. one is brought up in perfect ignorance- -hbre lio one eats the 
bread of idleness — here also we have colleges, normal schools, and agri- 
c\iltural societies — here, in short, is a field, wide and ample to jifford the 
means of living to millions ! With all these advantages, is it not rea- 
sonable to expect, that we shall move forward in the march of progressive 
improvement, with a rapidity commensurate with our peculiar position? 
I could cite the concurrent testimony of numerous travelers to prove 
"that there is much in the elements of our state which superinduces. great 
thoughts — a majesty in our forests, power in our rivers, splendor upon 
our prairies, and beauty pervading the whole, which enlarges, strength- 
ens, glorifies, and fills the mind with lofty aspirations, noble ambition, 
independence, and a spirit of love, and universal brotherhood.'' We are 
i)ot however to depend solely on o\ir natural advantages. We liave rival 
states, possessing some advantages too, and quite awake to their own 
interests, to contend with. We ought to look to onvi, by "taking time 
by the forelock." If we rest on our oars, we lose the race. If we are 
not early in the field, others will be in possession. rThe streams of i;idus- 
try, trade, and conmierce are passing into Chicago, like mountain tor- 
rents. The sagacity and enterprising spirit 'of her citizens have com- 
menced to draw some of these streams from our state, and they v.'ill inevi- 
tably succeed in injuring our best interests, if we neglect to tap them at 
their source, and convey them through the legitimate channels of the 



OF Wisconsin. 27 

state. No one can blame Chicago for setting a great part of her commer- 
cial machinery in motion by a power drawn from our resources, if we 
look on with our arms folded and our wheels at rest for want of that mo- 
tive power which wo allow thus to pass away. The Chicago and Galena 
Railroad will drain the business of the western parts of our state, the 
projected tributaries to this, having their source at Mineral Point, Beloit, 
and Janesvillc will drain the south and the Rock lliver Yalley Rail Road 
will sweep away every thing from Fond du Lac to Janesviile, if not pre- 
vented in time. The ruinous effects of these roads can only be counter- 
acted, by vigorously building all the roads v/hich have projected through 
this state. This would have the effect of directing the stream of com- 
merce to- the lake cities of Wisconsin. The riecessity of increased exer- 
tion hourly presses itself on our citizens, to counteract approaehiug 
evils, by taking immediate action on all the projects relating to roads 
leading to our lake shore cities, and by taking advantage of all the favor- 
able circumstances which chance seems likely to throw in our way. 
Twenty one years ago, it was proposed to build an air-line Rail Road 
from Jlilwaukeo to Fond du Lac. The necessity for building that road 
was quite apparent then, and what has since happened, with regard to 
the diversion of our commerce to other channels, shows a still greater 
necessity for speedily building that or some other, to effect the same 
object. Captain McKennon of the English Navy, gToundinghis statements 
on what he considers to be "sound and accurate information, writes that 
it has lately been whispered abroad, that negotiations are pending be- 
tween the British and American G-overnments to build jointly a rail road 
on the boundary line to the Pacific, from the liead of Lake Superior, in 
latitude 49 deg. N. The Canadians being apprised of tliis fact are push- 
ing their rail roads with "hot haste" to monopolise the trade to lake Su- 
perior, and thus get the first chance for all the summer business to those 
regions." 

Some fifty years ago, the great continents that looked across the 
deep waters of the Pacific Ocean were either barren wilds, or ancient and 
mysterious empires, without enterprise or signs of life, save and except a 
few Indians, a stray deer, or other wild animal, reposing without fear on 
the broad wilderness. The Pacific was then an ocean of pastoral romance; 
but is now flanked by empires rising in importance with the celerity of 
progress which has no parallel in the history of nations if I except what 
are generally knowsi as the western states. Sydney on the west, and 
San Francisco on the east, with the Anglo-Saxon empires of which they 
are the principal cities, now sway the shores and islands of the Pacific,, 
while their numerous fleets fill its ports with all the luxuries of tropical 
climes. "China and Japan Sealed far centuries against commerce jand 
civilization are about to be opened by the force of events." The 



28 Industrial Kksoukchs 

Paeifie encircles a thousand isles, producing fruit, spices, and other luxu- 
ries, while its sides are guarded by glittering mountains of gold, which 
allure thousands and tens of thousands from every country and from every 
clime, who hr.sten thither with breathless anxiety to gather up the perish- 
able dust that lies above, below, and about in every direction. But those 
seducing golden fields lie at a great distance, which it would be desirable 
to abridge, so as to make them easily accessible. This will soon be ao- 
eomplished by the enterprising spirit of the age. Rail roads connecting 
Lake Superior, the Mississippi, and the Atlantic with the Pacific Ocean 
will accomplish it. A rail road or canal, or perhaps both, across the Isth- 
mus of Panama, are confidently spoken of. The scheme is pushed for- 
ward with an earnestness of purpose which gives hope of its being carried 
into execution. Congress seems determined to connect tiie Mississippi 
with the Pacific, by a system of railroads. This subject is discussed with 
an earnestness commensurate with the vastness of the undertaking, and 
there is little doubt of its le.T. ling to a successful issue. The counectioa 
of Lake Superior and the Mississippi with the Pacific would open to Wis- 
consin an additional field of enterprise. Uninterrupted communica,tion, 
by rail road, is now open from New York to San .Francisco, and tickets 
may be bought at Milwaukee and Chicago for any station along the road. 
San Francisco may be reached from Milwaukee in about 7 days. The 
Pacific Ocean, to modern enterprise, is likely to become what the Medi- 
terranean Sea was to ancient enterprise. What a wonderful age we live 
in; science is bringing the most distant parts of the earth into close proxi- 
mity; and the hum, clatter, and other sounds of industry are daily and 
hourly banishing silence from the wilderness. 

Nature seems to have worked upon a grand scale in all her operations in 
this great and wonderful country. Our mountain ranges are gigantic — our 
rivers jrirrantic — cur mineral regions extensive — our coal fields extensive — 
our prairies vast — our forests vast —our trees majestic — and our lakes like 
oceans. Our people as if following nature, seem anxious to work everything 
upon a large scale — -witness the extent of our canals, our railroads, and our 
telegraphs — witness our expresses, our stage coach establishments, our 
hotels, our boarding houses, and our machinery — witness our fleets of 
steam and sailing vessels, our fisheries and our commerce — witness the 
extent of our states, and the vast machinery of our government, and in 
view of all, the mind becomes bewildered how all can be accomplished in 
so young a country, and by so thin a population. When we view the ex- 
tent of our Union, and the machinery necessary to carry out the laws, 
exact obedience, and protect life and property — when we consider the 
enormous amount of duty which devolves upon the difi'ercnt departments 
of the Union — when we reflect en all these, and contrast their collective 
magnitude with the small amount drawn from the resources of the coun- 



OS" Wisconsin. 29 

try to carry on the public service, have we not reason to rejoice and be 
thankfuL The economy with which the public service is performed is 
among the many causes, that have, and are still, operating in our favor; 
by which we are moving along the line of improvement, and extendinjr 
the sphere of industrial enterprise, with a celerity which defies history to 
find a parallel. The state of the treasury shows the receipts for the fis- 
cal year, ending 30th June, 1S52 exclusive of trust fund, to bo $49,728.- 
387; the expenditure for the same period, likewise exclusive of trust funds 
being ^46,007,896, of which ^9,45©, 81.5 was an accout of the principal 
and interest of public debt, includina: th'e last instalment of the indemnity 
to 3Iexico, leaving a balance in the treasury amounting to $14,632,186. 
Now (1st of June 1870) our debt amounts to §2,406,563,371.73. Com- 
pare this expenditure with thas of Great Britain, and observe the con- 
trast. The expenditure of that country for the year 1852 was §270,-' 
000,000. The expense of the army and navy alone, of Great Britain 
amounts.to §69, 000, 000 — far more than the aggregate expense of our 
government. The estimate of the naval department of England for ls53 
exceed §30,000,000. The sums drawn from the funds of the country to 
pay the constabulary for keeping the starving Irish in check would appear 
ludicurcus to an American. To acquire information relative to this work, 
I travelled through four states of the Union last fall,(1854)and in all my 
journey, I did not see one soldier or one policeman. The late war has pro- 
duced a different state of things, as a matter of necessity. When that 
conflict ended, our standing army was reduced,* Compare this with the 
standing armies of soldiers in Great Britain and Ireland, whose sui^port 
is drawn from the people, and mark the contrast. Compare the salaries 
of the judges, poor law commissioners, and other paid officers in those 
countries with the compensation given to persons filling similar offices 
here, and mark the difi:erence. But I mistake, we have no poor law 
commissioner here, nor are we likely to require the services of such an 
official for some time to come. Compare the sums drawn from the people 
(for everthing comes from the people) to pay the church establishment 
there with what is paid here to Ministers of religion, and mark the dif- 
ference. Compare the feelings of the people towards their respective 
government in Europe, withiours towards our government, and mark the 
difi"erence. And lastly compare the condition of the people under the dif- 
ferent governments in Europe with ours, and the ccnclusion must be self 

■•■') It is but common justice to American liberality to state, thr.t in all that jour- 
ney, I -was passed free by Bailroad, Stage Coach, and Steam Boats. Candor obliges 
me further to state, that in all my travels through this continent, all public convey- 
ances passed me along iivithout charge. To all persons connected -^-ith these public 




30 IXDUSTKIAL IIk^OURCES 

evident. I writcAhus not for the purpose, bj any means, of finding fault with 
the laws and institutions of my native country ; but simply to show, by 
comparison, the excellence of those of my adopted country. My doctrine 
lias always been, to submit, with perfect obedience, to the established laws 
that be. But if the established laws were found to be bad, to remon- 
strate and petition for their repeal. No party should embarass a govern- 
ment by unnecessary opposition, but all should rise up enmasse to remons- 
trate and put down corruption. 1 honor a patriot, but despise a dema- 
gogue, whose trade is agitation, but whose object is gain. There are 
'too many patriots of this description in every country, living upon the 
credulity of the people, the discussion of tiie laws of England, some 
of whicli, if administered in the spirit in w^hich they were made, are, 
in many respects, perfect models, forms no part of my plan ; but as the 
productive industry of every country, which no doubt, forms the basis 
of its properity and wealth, is closely connected with, and partly depen- 
dent on the laws, I mean, when occasion may arise to call attention, 
incidentally, to the exccllenee of the Constitution of the United States, 
which though not perfect in every particular, as partaking of the imper- 
fection of human nature, is nevertheless, the best that ever was formed. 
It protects life and property, promotes trade and commerce, lends its aid 
to the improvement of such means of internal communication, as is neces_ 
sai'y to promote the general interest of the nation, by opening up the 
channel of internal commerce, and by facilitating the frequent intercourse 
of the population. Difference of opinion, however luay sometimes exist, 
as to the best means, on the part of the government, to promote the 
welfare of the nation, as regards its commerce, its manufacture, its trade, 
and other branches of industry, whether mental or material. This diife- 
rence of opinion is now the subject of discussion between two parties in 
the Union, the one advocating free trade, and the other a protective 
duty to diminish competition from abroad. To discuss the subject in 
all its bearings, would take up more time and space than I can devote 
to. it at present, therefore I shall dismiss it now, and resume it in a sub- 
sequent chapter, at a more fitting time. 

The next subject which I shall take up presents physical features, no 
less interesting to those seeking a home in Wisconsin, than to persons at a 
distance, who may be partial to natural subjects. To new settlers not 
wishing to encounter the labor and difficulty of clearing the dark dense 
forest to be seen in many parts of the far w-est, the natural prairie and oak 
openings present tempting inducements, which no one who has not seen 
them could imagine. The oak openings present all the appearance of 
a nobleman's demense in England or Ireland, with, often, all the appea- 
rance of studied art in the arrangement of the stately monarchs of the 
forest, wdiich, in general, are at such a distance apart as not to interfere 



(lY VriSCOXSIN. SI 

often with the operations of the plough arA harrow. These oak opeuiuog 
are sometimes seen on dz'y table land adjacent to a level forest or prairie. 
They in general undulate. Some of these natural parks are of excellent 
quality, most of them aiiording sufficient wood for fencino- and firing, 
which are indispensible necessaries on a farm. Wisconsin has a happy 
combination of prairie, oak openings, and wood land. Prairie land is, in 
general, of better cjuality than oak openings. Prairie land requires no 
grubbing or clearing of any kind, preparatory to the introduction of the 
plough. Wlien a prairie is rolling and limited in extent, aothino- could 
be more desirable for the farmer, provided it adjoins woodland. But a 
flat extensive Prairie of many miles presents an aspect, by no means cal- 
culated to please the eye, or satisfy the wants of the farmer. We have 
no such extensive plains however, in Wisconsin.' Our prairies are rolling 
and of limited extent, and the aspect invariably diversified by a forest, an 
oak opening, or a grove, which in connection with the prairie relieves the 
eye, and renders the whole scene delightful. But a monotonous expanse, 
indiversiiied by hill and dale, and without a single object to look at; 
may please those who are fond of the sublime, but to me such a scene 
has no charms. A man standing on the uuruiSed surface of the broad 
ocean, and out of the sight of knd, sees before him a true picture of a 
prairie, with the exception of the color. Arid if the sea rolls, lie sees 
before him a perfect representation of a rolling prairie. Foreigners very 
generally form very ei-roneous notions of the agricultural advantages and 
disadvantage of a prairie. Many of them are of unsurpassing fertility, 
but from the absence of hill and dale, they are generally destitute of 
good water. The want of a diversity of surface naturally occasions sur- 
face water to accumulate, which from want of motion, becomes unwhole- 
some and quite unfit for human use. In such situations, it is unnccessarj'' 
to say, that the chance of obtaining good water within a short distance 
of the surface is very uncertain. The farmer occupying such a situation 
generally has to dig for water to a depth varying from twenty-five to one 
hundred feet, and sometimes more. Should he not have one of these 
surface swamps on the farm, man and beast must be supplied from the 
well, which is a labor af no trifling import. Besides this great inconve- 
nience, the want of v/ood for fencing and firing is an item of expense 
which he feels year after year. Unprotected from the influence of the 
Sun in summer, ,the heat is intolerable to man and Ijeast: and being ex- 
posed in winter, the cold acts vsith unmitigated fury. These are obstac- 
les which the new comer must encounter, when he takes his stand on tho 
broad naked prairie. Some of these objections however, to such a situa- 
tion may, in time, be obviated, as may be seen in a subsequent pui.t of 
this work. A difi'erence of opinion prevails, with regard' to the ori'^-iri of 
these prairies. Some are of opinion that neither tree nor bush over ^rew 



:32 Industiiial KKt'ouitciis 

en them since they had beea covered by the ocoiiii ; but this could not be, 
as when they arc protected, even for a short time, from the annual rava- 
ges of the red man's fire, trees spring up spontaneously; vphy then, as is 
often asked, does not the soil contain the roots of ancient trees, if such 
ever existed. The reason is obvious. The Indians, from time immemo- 
rial, have kept up their annual fires for purposes of hunting, during •which 
the roots disappear. Tlie small distance to which the roots penetrate 
the soil in this country, the heat of the climate in summer, the 
influence of the frost in winter, and tlie total absence of any 
anticeptic quality in the soil would, in time, be suiEcicnt to banish all 
traces of ancient roots. It^ is a curious fact, that when a prairie is pro- 
tected from fire, groves «f trees soon spring up. It may bo asked how 
the seed comes there, or by what agency is it brought there ? The old 
theory of being brought by the wind, by birds, or other animals is quite 
untenable. The trees that generally start into existance arc almost in- 
variably some species of poplar, with occasional sprouts ofcrabb or cherry 
tree, neither of which may not be found perhaps within mawy miles of 
the locality. Either the seed lies dormant in the soil for ages, unable to 
exercise its natural functions, by reason of adverse surrounding circum- 
stances or the chemical admixtui-e of certain elements produces under the 
influence of some fluid, spontaneous existence, when a combination of 
favorable circumstances presents itself. The great author of nature, no 
doubt, accomplishes everything, however mysterious the operation may 
appear to us, in the best, wisest, and most suitable manner. Chemistry 
shows how dead mineral matter is organized or ti-ansformed into living 
compounds, in the mechanism of plants; and also how plants or vegetable 
compounds are transformed into the bodies of animals. How the author of 
nature accomplishes this, it is not my business to enquire. When a stone 
is let drop, it falls to the ground, and the power that makes it fall, we 
call attraction; but how this power acts we know not. We can trace 
many natural laws producing visible eiiects, though we may be totally 
if norant of the first cause or of its mode of action. We know that by 
• mixin" oxygen and hydrogen in certain proportions, the mixture will form 
water; but how it is so, or why it is so, wo know not. 

As connected with this subject, it may be Avorthy of notice, that when 
a forest burns out or decays, a new race of trees, speedily springs up, 
quite difl:erent from the departed growth. When a hemlock forest burns 
or decays, the growth that succeeds it, is poplar, pigeo'n cherry, white 
ash sumach, butternut, and otlicr tress tliat shed their leaves every 
year. White pine is succeeded by oak and hickor}-. When an oak 
plantation is cut down in parts of Pennsylvania, spice wood springs up. 
I was told that a farmer in Oliio, cut down an oak plantation, and a 
variety of other different trees sprung up, and when these again were 



or AViscoNsiN. 33 

cut down, tliej wore soon replaced by maple, which .spontaneously 
sprung up. It is worthy of notice, tliat when a .stream abandons its 
course, the swamps left behind, ^jive birth to a growth of cotton wood, 
which indeed, so far as T have seen, aeems to thrive best in marshes bor- 
dering on rivers or streams. Tamarack is confined to swamps, so far as my 
knowledge of this Country goes. It is stated by Profes.^or Johnson, that 
wh«n a forest of pines is burned down in Sweden, one of birch takes its place 
for a while; but the birch is again supplanted by the pine. "On the shores 
of the Rhine are seen ancient forests of oak from two to four hundred 
years old, gradually giving place at present to a natural growth of birch, 
and others where the pine is succeeded by both." The oak and pine al- 
tarnate naturally with each other in many parts of tliis country. I have 
I)een told by an intelligent gentleman of much observation, tliat ever- 
greens are invariably succeeded naturally by trees that drop their leaves. 
What a lesson is all this for the practical farmer^ who should always take 
advantage of the natural operations continually passing before him in the 
wilderness. By paying due attention to wliat passes in the forest where 
Nature alone operates, the alternation of different trees and shrubs, 
would soon suggest the idea of the rotation of crops. In the wilderness, 
the s»il seems to run out, and thus exhausted and unable to supply the 
necessary food, the present growtli dies, and is succeeded by different 
.species of trees, which grow luxuriantly, the extinct tribe having left an 
abundant supply in the soil fit for the nourishment of the new race. Ho 
is it with the plants which we raise for food. When the soil ceases to 
supply the growing crop with a sufficiency of food lit for its support, an- 
other should be put into the ground which, though deficient in food fit for 
the former, may, notwithstanding, contain abundance suited to the latter. 
The soil contains different descriptions of food for the nourishment of 
plants, and different plants require different descriptions of food ; there- 
fore a .succession of the same plants would ultimately exhaust the soil of 
that food on whicli it lived. Hence the necessity of a judiciou.s rotation 
of Crops. A poor soil without artificial manure and labor never produces 
a heavy crop, of which the practical farmer is well aware. I'he soil may 
be easily judged of by the Crop. Tt is just so in the forest. "When the 
trees are stunted and scrubby, the soil is seldom good ; but when the 
growth is large and healthy, the soil is generally good. One accustomed 
to the woods would tell at a single glance, the quality of the soil, by the 
appearance of the trees, as well as the species. This subject, which I 
mean to resume in the chapter devoted to agriculture, has naturally "rown 
out of the cause assigned for the origin of our prairies, which is the annual 
fires of the Indians for purposes of hunting. The prairie fires, when the 
grass is long and thick, present some of the grandest and most terrible scenes 
in Nature. "When the grass is dry.andthe wind favorable, these fires spread 
3 



o4 lM>ij:-nnAL 11k>*ov;kce^ 

\\[{\\ a toartal vapulitv, rushiUj;- along witii a noiso like tauiulor, omitting 
clouds of smoko, bauijilung ovorv inuulru[>i\l, bird and croopiiig thing, 
and somotinios putting tlio unwary travelor in terror of hit! Ufo ; Nvho, to 
escape from t!»o devouring olomo'.it. sots lire to tho grass arouuil. and 
taking; his stand in tho burnt part, escapes tho approaoliing tlamo. Noth- 
iuii is miro dismal than a vast burnt plain, veiled over with a blaok pall, 
as an omblom of death and destruction, presenting not a single object, or 
sign of life. This bleak, and black, aiul mournful expanse, however, like 
the fabled Phoenix, soon revives in all tlie vigor ot youth, robed in tho 
liveliest greou of returning spring, and decked with tlowers of a thousand 
hues, giving the entire plaiu an aspect of cheerfulness aiul delight, calcu- 
lated to elevate the soul, and inspire it with a hope that after having 
performed its pilgniuage in this dark and dreary world, it will, at the 
resurrection, be raised again decked iu glory. How different in their ap- 
plication are these prairie dros. The Indian kindles the tiro to prepare 
for hunting : but Professor Espy kindles tho tiame to bring down rain 
from the heavens, with tho view to promote vegetation iu seasons of 
drought, when tho crops intended for mau and beast, show visible signs 
of failure. 

In- nutans ot the knowledge furnished by Mr. Espy's admirable 
theory ot" storujs. artitioial rains m.iy be produced under favorable circum- 
stances of a high dew-point and a calm atmosphere. Mr. A. H. Jones. 
United States Deputy Surveyor says, that ho performed many experi- 
ments iu Florida, iu seasons of groat drought, and always succeeded in 
producing arcilicial showers ; and that for some years baok. farmers, who 
became acquainted with his experiments, were in the habit of setting tire 
to the dry grass at the time they planted their corn, to produce rain ; 
and that they generally succeeded: though(^this being iu the dry season) 
it is known no rain would otherwise occur. The modern application of 
science is working wonders every day which warrauts the general belief 
that the "world is rapidly advancing." In discussing the subject of the 
natural phenomena of the jtate, I shall resume my observations on tho 
storms, and on tho manner of producing artidcial rains, on an extensive 
scale. 

The peculiar circumstances of this country have given rise to vivrious 
machinery to abridge labor. The tarmer far removed from town, where 
he could receive the services of a tradesman, has often to supply his own 
wants, by attempting to accomplish what legitimately was the trades- 
man's business, and being often put to his "wits ends" for want of tooL*, 
he frequently hits upon a device that afterwards proves valuable : thus 
verifying the proverb, that "necessity is the mother of invention." Xe- 
ces^ity drives thousands to do and invent many things which, under 
different circumstances, they never could think of. It was this necessity 



OF Wisconsin. 35 

tlicit gave hirtli to iiunicroiis inventiona of daily use in every liousc in this 
country. It was necessity arising out of the peculiar circumstances of 
tlie country tiiat Las suggested the idea of substituting yarious descrip- 
tions of machinery to abridge labor. Though unskilled labor is much 
liighcr here than in any part of the old country, yet by tlie substitution 
of suitable machinery, articles of necessity and comfort are manufactured 
here mucli cheaper than in any part of the old country that I was ac- 
Huaintad with. Chairs, window blinds, sashes, doors, pails, stoves, and 
numerous other articles of every day use, are sold here for one-half, and 
ill some cases for one-third what tliey could bo made fm- in England or 
Ireland, where labor is so much cheaper. 

Tlie .scarcity and higli price of labor iu tiiis c(nintry make the use of 
machinery indispensible. And though this is (juite apparent, yet I hare 
heard numbers cry out against the use of machinery, as calculated to 
diminish the demand for labor, and thi-ow thousands out of employment, 
who perhaps might be the only support of large and helpless families. 
But as in the case of free trade, for every one that is injured by the in- 
troduction of machinery, hundreds and thousands are benefitted. The 
thousands of scriviners the art of printing banished from the do.sk, were 
as chaff, when put in competition with the incalculable benefit conferred 
on mankind by that liappy discovery. The improved process of manu- 
facturing nails, reduced) all the nailers, already too poor, to a state of 
beggary; and the power-loom and spinning-jenny drove before thenj mul- 
titudes into the gulf of poverty, distress, and misery. But though large 
numbers suffered by these innovations, millions have been, are, and will 
continue, to be benefitted. Every great improvement to abridge labor 
never fails to cause temporary distress among the particular class of oper- 
atives whose business it performs ;' therefore, the government of every 
country ought to provide at once for the support of that class. And 
though I am sorry to say that the working classes are often al- 
lowed to pine away in misery, yet under no circumstahce should those 
great discoveries, which transfer the superintendence of labor from the 
hand to the mind, be lost to posterity. But as posterity is not likely to 
do much for the discarded operatives, the government, the manufacturer, 
and the humane of every class eught to alleviate their distress. I have 
lived in the great age of discovery myself, and witnessed' a fearful amount 
of human suffering arising from the introducti(5n of improved machinery ; 
but in this country, no such evil is to be apprehended. In Great Britain 
and Ireland, one educated for a particular trade or a profes.sion is scarce- 
ly ever fit for any employment out of that, for which he had been in- 
strueted; but it is not so here. Here, one may follow four or five dif- 
ferent trades or professions through life, without feeling any inconveni- 
ence from the change of one trade, or profession to another. I met an 



36 Industrial Resources 

old geutlemau in Illinois who told me he commenced the world as a cow- 
herd, which occupation he changed for the plough, which again lie changed 
for school-teaching, from which occupation he went to the bar, from the 
bar to the practice of pliysic, and thence to the pulpit. 

In a floating or moving population, it is not always an easy matter 
to estimate the actual condition of the working classes by the amount of 
wages they receive per diem. Nominal wages may be high, as compared 
with those received in former times, and yet the condition of the laborer 
may not be improved If the price of the necessary articles of consump- 
tion increase in the same rates as the advance in wages, the condition of 
the laborer remains the same, but if the prices of necessary articles of 
consumption increase in a higher ratio than the advance in wages, liow- 
ever great it may appear, is worse in proportion. If the wages of the 
laborer remain the same or increase, per diem, as compared with those; 
received in former times, while prices of necessary articles of consumption 
fell, then the condition of the laborer is deteriorated. As an illustration 
of what has been here stated : During the late war in this country, wages 
were high, as compared with those paid before that unfortunate conflict, 
caused by the withdrawal of a large portion of our population from in- 
dustrial and productive labor to warlike pursuits in defence of the con- 
stitution But though wages were relatively high during tlic war, the 
necessaries of life soon became dearer, as is generally the case ; therefore 
the condition of the laboring classes varied according to the laws above 
laid down. In 1849 tlie weekly cost of maintenance and clothing, per 
head, of the inmates of the Irish poor houses and workhouses was 37^ 
cents, while in 1869, at was 74^ cents. 

The records of the contract prices of the different articles of con- 
sumption, of the workhouses of Ireland, in 1850 and 1870, show that all 
the articles of consumption, except tea and sugar, have increased in price. 
Hence the condition of the working classes has not been materially im- 
proved. 

Before I came to America, I was impressed with the justice of Eng- 
land's claim to superiority in every thing connected with machinery, and 
to the supremacy of the ocean ; but every day convinces me more and 
more, that preconceived notions had led me into an error. For a very 
Ion o- time all nations acceded to England a high degree of superiority 
over all the maratime countries with which she had any intercourse. Her 
knowledo-e of ship building, and her general mechanical skill, were the 
admiration of the world. This, however, is n© longer the case; America 
now lays claim to the supremacy of the seas, and England acknowledges 
the right. An extract from a paper read by Mr. Scott, before the Royal 
Institution, London, does equal justice to bus own candor and to Ameri- 
can ingenuity. "The subject placed on the list for consideration this 



OF Wisconsin 37 

evening, has been rfuggestod by the assertion which within a year or two 
has been so often repeated, that our trans-atlantic brethern are building 
better ships than ourselves ; that, in short, Brother Jonathan is going 
ahead, while John Bull is comfortably dozing in his arm-chair, and that 
If he do not wake speedily, and take a sound survey of his true position, 
he may find himself hopelessly astern. Two questions of a practical na- 
ture arise out of this alarming assertion : First, whether the Americans 
are really in any respect superior to the English in nautical matters. 
Second, whether in order to equal them, wo are to be compelled to de- 
scend into mere imitations, or whether we have independent ground from 
which wecan start with certainty and originality on a new course of im- 
provement in Naval Architecture ? In the outset I beg permission to say, 
that I am not one of those who shut their eyes to the praises of our young 
and enterprising brethren over the water, or view their rapid advance- 
ment with jealously. I beg to express my perfect belief in the account, 
we have hoard of their wonderful achievements in rapid steam navio-ation. 
I am satisfied as a matter of fact, that twenty-one and twenty-three 
miles ail hour have been performed, not once, but often, by their river 
steamers. To that we cannot in this country offer any parallel. The 
next point in which they have beaten us was in the construction of the 
beautiful packet ships which carried on the passenger trade between 
Liverpool and America, before the era of ocean steamers. These were 
the first ships in the world, and they were mainly owned and sailed by 
Americans. 

The next point in which we have come into competition with the 
Americans has been lately in ocean steam navigation. Three years ago 
they began. They were immeasurably behind us at that time, but they 
are already nearly equal to us. Their trans-atlantic steamers equal ours 
in bad weather and speed. In regularity, they are still our superiors. 
If they continue to advance at their present rate of improvement, they 
will soon outstrip us. Next I come to the trade which has long been 
principally our own — the China trade. The clipper ships which they re- 
, cently have sent to that country have astonished the fine ships of our 
I Greens and our Smiths. Our best ship owners are trembling for their 
trade and reputation. Finally, it is true, that Americans have sent over 
to England a yacht, called the America, which has found on this side of 
the Atlantic no match; and we only escaped the disgrace of our not hav- 
ing the courage to accept her defiance through the chivalry of one gen- 
tlemen who accepted the challenge, with a yacht of half the size, on this 
principal so worthy of John Bull, that the Yankee, although he might 
3ay that he had beaten us, should not be able to say that we had all run 
away. Such then at present is our actual position in the matter of ships, 
yachts, and steam navigation- -a position highly creditable to the Ameri- 



38 Industrial Ee.?ources 

caus, and whicli deserves our serious consideration. I propose to examine 
a little into the physical causes of the naval success of the Americans; but 
befoi'e doing so, permit me to jDoint out a moral one, which later in the 
evening you will find to ho at the bottom of the principal causes. It is 
this, John Bull has a prejudice against novelty; Brother Jonathan has a 
prejudice equally strong in favor of it. Wo adhere to tradition in trade, 
manners, customs, professions, humors — Jonathan despises it. I do not 
say he is right, and we are wrong ; but this difference beeomes very im- 
portant, when a race ef competition is to be run. These preliminary re- 
marks find immediate application in the causes which have led to our loss 
of character on the sea. 

The Americans constantly on the alert, have carried out and applied 
every new discovery to the advancement of navigation ; while with the 
English, naval construction and seaman-ship is exactly that bvanch of 
practice in which science has not only been disregarded, but is altogether 
despised and set aside. The Americans show what can be done by mod- 
ern science, and unflinchingly put it into practice ; we show what can be 
done in spite of science and defiance of its principles. It appears from 
the comparison that was instituted between American and English vessels 
that the American ship-builders have gained over the English, chiefly by 
the ready abandonment of old systems and the adoption of true principles 
of science, and the most modern discoveries. They have changed their 
fashions of steamers and ships to meet new circumstances as they arise. 
For river steamers, they at once abandoned all the well-known sea-going 
forms, and created absolutely a new form and general arrangement both 
of ship and maehinery. We on the other hand, subject to the prejudice 
of a class, invariably attempted to make a river steamer to resemble as 
much as possible a sea-going ship propelled by sails. We were even for 
a long time so much ashamed of our paddle-wheels that we adopted all 
sorts of inconvenient forms and inapt artifices to conceal them, as if it 
were a high achievement to make a steam vessel to be mistaken for a 
sailing vessel. The first sharp bows which the wave principle has brought 
to our knowledge, have been adopted in this country with the greatest 
reluctance, and those who adopt them are often unwilling to allow they 
are wave-bows, and would feign assert that they always built them so, 
were it not that the ship lines are able to speak for themselves. The 
Americans, however, ■ adopted the wave-bow without reluctance, and 
avowed it with pleasui'e, the moment they found it to give economy and 
speed. In. like manner, the Americans having found the wave-line or 
hollow-bow good for steamers, were quite ready to believe it might be 
equally good for sailing vessels. We, on the other hand, have kept on 
asserting, that though we could not deny its efficacy for steamers, it 
would never do for vessels that were meant to carry sails. The Ameri- 



OF Wisconsin. 3^ 

cans ou the contrary, tried it on their pilot boats, and finding it succeed- 
ed there, avowed at once, in their latest treatises on Naval Architecture, 
the complete success of the principle ; not even disclaiming its British 
origin. To prove to ourselves our insensibility to its advantages — they 
built the America, carried out the wave principle to the utmost, and de- 
spising the prejudices and antiquated regulations of our clubs, came over 
and beat us. The diagrams and models which were exhibited, showed 
the water-lines of the America to coincide exactly with the theoretical 
wave-line. In another respect, the Americans showed their implicit faith 
in science and disregard of prejudice. Theory says and has always said, 
"sails should sit as flat as boards," we said tlid^y should bo cut so as to 
hang in graceful waves. It has always been so: we have always done it. 
The Americans believed in principles and with flat sails, went one point 
nearer to the wind, leaving prejudice and picturesque far to t]ie leoward. 
In other points, the Americans beat us by the use of science. They use 
all the refinement of science in their rigging and tackle; they, it is true, 
have to employ better educated and more enlightened inen — they do so; 
and b}'' employing a smaller number of hands, beat us in efficiency as 
well as in, economy." This article does equal justice to the discrimina- 
ting judgment and strict candor of Mr. Scott, as well as to the undoubt- 
ed right of the Americans to the supremacy of the ocean, gained no doubt 
by placing implicit faith in naval architectural science, and by taking 
early advantage of every circumstance which chance threw in their way. 
3Iilwaukee is peculiarly well circumstaoced as regards convenience and 
materials for ship-building. On the spot may be found the best oak and 
lumber of every description in the greatest abundance, while the Milwau- 
kee water basins affords excellent feites for building both wet and dry 
docks. Buffalo, Chicago, or indeed any other lake town, presents no 
such advantages to the ship-builder in these respects, as Milwaukee. They 
will, no doubt, be taken advantage of by some enterprising capitalist of 
skill. 1 am happy to see that a company is being formed to build six 
propellers of the largest class, which are to be employed during the ap- 
proaching season (1853) between Milwaukee and Buffalo. This line of 
propellers, in connection with a nct'Work of rail and plank roads, radiat- 
ing from the city of Milwaukee in every direction, as far as the Mississip- 
pi, cannot fail to advance the* interests of our citizens, as well as those 
of the miners, agriculturists, and other classes throughout the state. 
Manitowoc is likewise very favorably situated for ship-building, and I 
am glad to see that the enterprising citizens of that rising village are tak- 
ing advantage of their position. Several fine vessels have been built at 
that place, and another will be ready to take to her native element early 
in the coming spring. Green Bay is another point, that must in time be 
occupied by ship yards, when the navigation of the Fox and Wisconsin 



40 iNrrsTKiAL Kksocroks 

rivers is open. Kaoiae and Kouosha have suffioiout tacilities for building 
all their own sailing crafts. We ought to appreciate our advantages 
hero, when wo see immense quantities of timber crorj year gent to the 
ship yanls of New York, a distance of twelve hundred miles. 

From what has been said in this article, it will be seen how impor- 
tant it is to have a knowledge of soioTioo. which is closely connected with 
almost overr branch of industry in which we are engaged. Under the 
existing conilition of this country, only few can afford to devote time to 
the acquirement of an extensive course of edueation. therefore, the time 
set apart for educatiou:il purposes should be devoted to those branches of 
learning, bearing directly on the pursuit in which the individual is to be 
engaged. Two elements are essential to the perfection of an industrial 
education — science and jiractico. Science leads to practical eminence. 
A man may bo very dexterous in the management of his tools, but totally 
ignoniut of the principles on which his practice rests. Such a man can 
never rise to eminence in any important department of his business. 
Watt could never have brought the steam eugiue to the degree of perfec- 
tion in which he left it. had he not been acquainted with the principles of 
science. Lord Ross had to invoke the aid of soieace in the improvement 
of his wonderful telescope, which leads to infinities of space and faintness 
— which places the traveler on mountain top, where foot never trod — 
which shows the sailor his place in the deep, and the object of his pur- 
suit in the gloom of night — which shows the stars wIjoso faint light is 
lost in the sun shine — carries us beyond our own abode, and in the glim- 
ses it gives us of the condition of other worlds, adds a mighty voice to 
the acclaim in which the '•firmament declares the glory of God."' 

Science alone perfects art : therefore, it ought to hold the first rank 
in all our seminaries of education. Throughout this work it will be seen, 
that science is the fountain from which all our practical knowledge i» 
drawn. Without science we could only grope in the dark in pursuit of 
the hidden treasures with irhich our mineral regions abound — regions of 
vast extent, great variety, and peculiar richness in mineral character, 
rendering the geology of the State of peculiar interest, net only in a geo- 
logical point of view, but asregartls profit and industrial labor also. In 
contemplating the subject of geology, one is constrained to exclaim what 
mighty things are revealed by the silent hand of time ! When the eye 
of the geologist pierces the earth, guides the way to its hidden treasures 
and reads its petrified pasres, on which are legibly written the geological 
epochs of the world and the history of its many changes before it assumed 
its present conditieu. he shall likewise see that during these changes, i: 
was manifestly the habitation of successive races, which disappeared from 
existence at the change of each period, most possessing only remote ana- 
logies to anv creature now livins. and that these relations seem to in- 



OP WiSCON'SIX. 41 

crease, till lie fiiida in the formations, which are considered moat recent, 
remains of animals, nearly allied to the present races. Man, however, 
forms an exception never having been found fossil, which proves that he 
was called into existence later than any geological epoch. By the help 
of the microscope, he may read in the pages of geological history, that 
many mountains and rocks are entirely composed of evanescent atoms, 
which once had life ; that this very State wns once the bed of the ocean ; 
that large drifts coriHisting of clay, gravel, rounded stones of various 
sizes, and large boulders, have been driven by ocean currents, and deposi- 
ted in various parts of the State; that the action of water wore away the 
solid rocks in some places to the depth of several hundred feet; that sub- 
terranean force lifted up certain limited spots and whole districts; that 
granite and other ingeneous rocks, were thrown up in a molten state ; that 
volcanic action once exerted itself in some of the regions occupied by some 
of our large lakes, and by groups of lakes, for whieh the northern portion 
of this State is remarkable ; that the waters of the Mississippi have worn 
down its bed to the tiepth of a thousand feet or more, and that some of 
ita tributaries have acted in a similar way. These and a thousand other 
phenomena, which will ha described hereafter, characterize the geology 
of Wisconsin, giving it a degree of interest unequalled in but few of the 
States. While the north seems to have been the theater of volcanic ac- 
tion, as may be seen from the number and variety of its primitive rocks 
and other visible evidences, the southern portion of the State seems to 
have suffered little from the agency of subterranean force, but the surface 
of these portions show sample evidence of tlie action of water. 

Wisconsin is peculiarly characterized by the number and variety of 
its ancient monumental rcniains, proving the existence of a people, who 
in very remote antiquity, inhabited North America, but of whom nothing 
is known, except what can be gleaned from such of their labors as have 
been spared by the devastating hand of time. Silliman's Journal con- 
tains some valuable notices of Indian mounds in Wisconsin, by R. C- 
Taylor, Esq.; and our indefatigable townsman, I. A. Lapham, Esq., is 
preparing an elaborate work on the same subject, which coming from 
such a source cannot fail of being highly interesting. Mr. Lapham has 
devoted much time and labor to tlie antiquities of Wisconsin, and I liave 
no doubt but the minute details which he will exhibit, will be the means 
of throwing some light upon the history and character of tliat departed 
race, of whom even tradition is totally ignorant. The smallest circum- 
stance connected with the remains of antiquity often gives a clue to val- 
uable discoveries, leading to the solution of problems, enveloped in the 
cobweb which the lapse of ages throws around them. As an illustration 
of this remark, I might mention two circumstances bearing concurrent 



42 Industki.vl Kksourci:;s 

testimouj to the fact, that the architects of these Wisconsin mounds must 
have come from i\.sia. A mound has been discovered at Cassville,0)i tlic Mis- 
sissippi, which is supposed to have a trunk like tliat of an olepliant, Avliicli 
goes to prove that Asia must have been the country from which that de- 
parted race had derived their origin. Another fact related by 3Ir. Tay- 
lor, of which there is no doubt, bears additional testimony to the Asiatic 
origin of that people. A monument representing the human form lies in 
an east and west direction near the Blue Mounds, with the arms and 
legs extended, the head lying towards the west, and the feet toward the 
east. This is the direction in which the Irish are invariably buried : and 
what had given rise to the practice must be referred to a period antece- 
dent to the introduction of Christianity into Ireland. Before the intro- 
duction of Christianity into Ireland, by her patron saint, that countrv as 
well as Britain, was the slave of idolatry, worshiping numerous deities, 
and among them, the rising san. This circumstance led to the practice 
of burying the dead with the face east, towards the rising sun This 
practice as well as numerous others, to which tlic Irish and Scotch cling 
to this day, Avith that national ardency so peculiar to them, were derived 
from their ancestors — the Phoenicians, a people inhabiting the eastern 
coast of the IMcditerranean Sea, on the confines of Palestine Should 
another monuricnt be found of the human form, occup3'ing the Cardinal 
points, like that at the Blue Mounds, it would add another link to the 
chain connecting the ancient tribes of Wisconsin and the fii'st Irish sett- 
lers, with one and the same country — Phoenicia. The following incident 
relating to the sepulchral rites of the Indians, is an additional proof of 
their oriental origin. Cooper, the Walter Scott of America, speaking 
of the Chief Uncas, says in his "Last of the Mohicans,"' "The body was 
deposited in an attitude of repose, facing the rising sun, with the imple- 
ments of war and the chase at hand." On making enquiry about what 
was supposed to be the trunk of an elephant, as above stated, there was not 
sufficient proof to warrant the report ; and the coincidence of the position 
of the monument found at theBlue Mounds and theCardinal points studious- 
ly observed by the Irish and Scotch in burj'ing their dead, is not sufficient 
proof of the oriental origin of the American Indian, as numerous other 
tribes, Viesidcs these mentioned above, paid the most scrupulous attention 
to the sepulchral position of the dead. It is a conceded fact among many 
scientific men of the present day that the American Indians are a distinct 
race, created in the country where they were found. The state of the 
industrial arts among the ancient people of this western country, as gath- 
ered from a few nide drawings, representing the mode of spinning, weav- 
ing, &e., is related to a problem of Amei'Ican Ethnology of peculiar, in- 
creasing interest. In this country-, instead of dwelling on the past, every 
one looks to the future. Every American goes right ahead without ever 



OF Wisconsin. 43 

looking behind In Europe, an antiquarian will spend days and years in 
the investigation of the remaining vestiges of vanished pomp and grand- 
eur, here the object of eager pursuit is the coming power and gain. In 
Europe an antiquarian would feel himself well rewarded by the discovery 
of a glass bead after a weeks search, among the rubbish in tlie ruins of 
Pompeii ; here notliing is sought with eager anxiety, but the dollar. 
Hence it is, that the Wisconsin Mounds are passed without notice, except 
by a few. Only very few will take the trouble, or spare time to bestow 
a thought on the origin or history of these curious monuments. General 
Smith, vdio is at present engaged in writing a history of Wisconsin, thinks 
they are heraldic emblems, similar to the coat of arms and crests, at 
present worn by different distinguished families in Europe. 

There is sufficient evidence to prove that a people once inhabited 
this country that worked in brass, which probably was first known as a 
metal employed for tools. A copper instrument was found not long since, 
about two feet under the roots of a pine tree, in the town of Stevens 
Point, Portage county. It had the incontestible evidence of having been 
moulded. One end was rather sharp, and the other bad the appearance 
of having been blunted by use. It presented somewhat the appearance 
of a drilling machine. 

Having given this introductory notice of s mie of the subjects to bc^ 
hereafter discussed in detail, I shall next take up a subject intimately 
connected with the welfare of every civilized community. This subject 
is the fuel at our command in Wisconsin. But before I enter upon this 
new subject, it may be necessary for mc, by way of apology, to say that 
the subject of the Wisconsin Mounds has been introduced merely to 
gratify the curiosity of Europeans, who feel a deep interest in such mat- 
ters. Though these ancient monuments have nothing to do with the in- 
dustrial resources of the State, yet for the reason above assigned, I 
thought, that a few pages devoted to them may not be considered entire- 
ly out, of place. 



C H A P T E U T I. 



The industrial resources of every nation depend principally on its 
natural resources. Where nature supplies the raw material in great 
abundance, and also the power to fashion that material into form for our 
own use, is (all other things being equal) in general, the best field for 
active labor. The locality rich in iron ore, and coal to prepare the 
metal, to receive from the mould a thousand different forms, according to 
the different purposes it may be required to serve, is always favorable to 
the economical manufacture of that most useful, and indeed, indispensible* 
article. Hence it is, that many parts of England and Scotland contain- 
ing iron and coal, ^vhich often aecempany each other, are celebrated for 
their iron works. The same remark applies to Pittsburgh, the Birming- 
ham of America. There was, however, a time when iron was an article 
of export from Ireland to England and Scotland. The cause that led to 
this profitable branch of industrial labor has long since ceased to exist in 
Ireland. Some two hundred years ago, the same process was em- 
ployed in both countries to manufacture iron, the fuel used in the process 
being wood charcoal, which soon became too scarce for manufacturing 
purposes in England which, therefore had to draw upon Ireland where the 
supply of wood was still sufficient for manufacturing purposes, till about 
a century ago, when the forests disappeared there also. As soon as the 
denuded state of the country denied a supply of wood for fuel, the manu- 
facture of iron had to be abandoned in Kerry, the last place in Ireland 
that used wood charcoal in the manufacture of iron. All this goes to 
prove the truth of the general principle — that the industrial resources of 
every country depend principally on her natural resources. When nature 
ceased to supply the necessary supply of fuel in England, she had to 
import iron from Ireland, and when the forests of Ireland became exhaust- 
ed, she also had to abandon a lucrative branch of her industry. Iron 
being indispensible to an advanced state of the arts, and England anxious 
to attain a high position, with a view to the profits derivable from an ar- 
ticle in Buch universal demand, set to work in order to find a substitute 
for wood charcoal , which the naked state of the country refused any 
longer to supply. Mr. Dudley, a native of England, soon supplied this 
great desideratum, by invoking the aid of science, which upon all such 
occasions ought to be brought into requisition. Had not this man made 



OF Wisconsin. 45 

the fortunate discovery — that coke may be substituted for cliarcoal, in 
the smelting of iron, "the condition of industry -vrhich gave field to Watt 
and Arkwright, could scarcely have existed." From the rapid increase 
of population requiring increased consumption of fuel for various domes- 
tic purposes, the forests on the continent of Europe are rapidly wasting 
away, by which the economial manufacture of iron, by means of wood, 
must be confined to those countries where a limited population admits 
large tracts of forests to continue to grow, as in some of the countries of 
the north of Europe, on which England would be depondent for iron now 
had not the discovery of Dudley rescued her from such depondance. 
Though this man's discovery has made England the industrial sovereifrn 
of all the world, yet that country has allowed his name to pass from this 
world to a better unhonored. The position I assume at the starting 
point, and the conclusion I arrive at will show why I enter into the his- 
tory of the iron manufactures in England : therefore I shall be for^-iven 
for the digression. Heat being an essential agent tu give liquidity to 
.solid substances, and bring into active operation those wonderful chemical 
affinities which may be said t» alter the very constitution of, and form 
new products from, substances apparently different, the iucl from which 
heat is produced must necessarily enter largely as an element of calcula- 
tion into the gain or loss on such industrial operations. Heat is also re- 
quired to convert water into steam, in order to create power and produce 
motion, by which cotton, flax, wool, and other fabrics may be spun and 
woven into cloth. Of all the elements of power, placed at our disposal 
by the hand of God, none is so extensive in its application as that of heat 
which is employed, not only in all the chemical and metallurgic arts, but 
also in creating power which has effected a revolution in all the arts, 
from the simple operation of turning a spit in the kitchen to that of pro- 
pelling the largest vessel through the pathless ocean, or the most poiider- 
ous train through lenghtened space, traced out by iron tracks properly 
laid to guard against danger and secure safety. By the agency of steam 
generated by heat, wonderful effects are produced, which are profitable 
partly in proportion to the cost of fuel. When nature supplies the pow- 
er to give motion to machinery at a less cost than that created by heat 
that power of course, if equally effective is to be preferred. A locality 
possessing water privileges is to be chosen in preference to one destitute 
of such natural advantages, as it effects a considerable savino- to the 
manufacturer. In the most favored parts of England as regards fuel, 
water power effects a saving of from five hundred to eight hundred per 
cent, as compared with steam, which upon a large outlay would, in the 
course of a year amount to a considerable sum. For the transmission of 
heavy goods, water carriage would be found more economical than any 
other placed at our disposal by the agency of steam : therefore, naviga- 



46 • In'dustrial Resoukces 

ble rivors, soas, and lakes are favorable to the commerce and general in- 
dustry of erery country, especially, when the transmission of heavy goods 
to a distance becomes necessary. The economy of water carriage is stri- 
kincly illustrated by a comparison of what is now paid per ton, from New 
York to Milwaukee by water and land. 

The following list of terms charged from New York to Milwaukee 
both by land and water, shows exactly the relative cost : 

On rail road from New York to Buffalo, or Dunkirk, and Lake 

Erie and Michigan, on dry goods, per hundred pounds - - $1.60 
Iron and nails by the same route, per hundred pounds - - 0.99 
Groceries by the same route, per hundred pound - - - 1,1,5 

From New York, via Erie Canal and steamer, via chain of lakes 

dry r'oods, per hundred pounds - . _ . . 0.90 

Iron and nails, per hundred pounds - • - - - - 0.50 

Groceries, per hundred pounds - - - - - - 0.75 

By this list of charges it is seen that on an average, the cost of trans- 
mission by land is nearly double the cost by water ; and the ratio would be 
still greater, were it not for the competition on the railway route. 
It may be further observed that all the way from New York to 
Milwaukee is not traveled by land, as Lakes Erie and Michigan 
are included in the distanfe. Wlieh the entire distance from New 
York to Milwaukee is traveled by rail road, the relative cost of 
transporting heavy goods by water and land, will probably be as one to 
three. The profits derived from the agricultural industry of a country 
depend, in a great measure, on tlie natural advantages peculiar to it. The 
same amount of labor expended on a good rich soil, in every way suited 
to agricultvire, may produce a profit many times as great us on a poor 
sickly soil ill-suited to the purpose. Equal qualities of land diff"erently 
circumstanced, as to convenience or manure, water carriage, and markets, 
will invariably leave unequal profits to the farmer. One farm within a 
few rods of sea weed, shell sand, marl, or other suitable manure, may 
yield a profit many times that another of similar quality, situated at a 
distance from those manuring and renovating substances. In a similar 
way, it may be shown, that where nature is bountiful in supj^lying fuel, 
water power, and abundance of natural products, and also, in presenting 
other natural advantages, industrial labor will be rewarded in much a 
higher degree than where she dispenses them with a niggardly hand. It 
may then be assumed, that tho natural resources of a nation are the true 
source of its wealth, when the active hand of labor is brought to bear 
upon them, without which, however, many of them may remain altogether 
useless, or be at best but of little value. As the prosperity of every coun- 
try depends chiefly on its natural products and advantages, it may be 
necessary to discuss the problem which shows how to utilitize them, so as 
to derive the oreatest possible gain from the time, labor, and money ex- 



OF Wisco\six. 47 

pended on them. The solution of this most important problem wilt 
necessarily involve economy ot'Ia'oor and expense of every kind in con- 
verting all these natural products to tlieir respective ultimate uses. To 
economize labor, machinery and mechanical skill are essential — knowledge 
of the propor.ties, nature and constitutions of the objects, on which we 
operate is essential, without which much time, labor and expense may be 
thrown away to no purpose. The comparative expense of the transmis- 
sion of produce by water, rail road, or plankroad, or by the ordinary 
roads tf the country, ought to form an item in tlie calculation of o-aiu or 
loss. These and a thousand other elements enteidng into the solution of 
the great problem relating to the utilization of the unsurpassin'-'- luitural 
resources of the State of Wisconsin, require a knowledo-c varied and ex- 
ten.sive. In the subsequent part of the work I mean to examine all in- 
dustrial objects available in the State. 

In this examination, it will appear that nature has placed before us 
in Wisconsin a wider and richer field for the active exercise of profitable 
labor, than is perhaps to be found in any other State of the Union. We 
have fuel in exhaustlcss quantities in our forests for domestic and indus- 
trial purposes, and that too at a cost in some places, less than coal can 
be procured for in any part of the Union. The almost total absence of 
stagnant swamps — the rolling character of the surface — the numerous 
running streams of crystal purity — the proximity ©f our ocean lakes on 
two sides and the father of waters on the third, with the navio-able waters 
of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers running through it, equalizing the tem- 
perature, and giving motion to the aerial currents — and the cloudless sky 
of Wisconsin must necessarily render it one of the most healthful States 
in the Union and best adapted to European constitutions. Add to these 
the quality of the soil, tlie facilities of navigation afforded by its surroun- 
ding lakes, and by the two last named rivers, dividing it diagonally, and 
terminating at the Mississippi on the south west, and at Green Bay on 
the north east, thus opening a channel of communication with soutliern 
and eastern markets, and the State of Wisconsin cannot be surpassed as 
regards its adaptation to all agricultural purposes. Spangled witli lakes 
and interspersed with prairies, oak openings and wood lands, possessino- 
educational advantages creditable to so young a State, and a climate un- 
exceptionable; it is no wonder that the rapid growth of its cities and 
towns; of its trade and commerce; of its manufacturing industry and 
population sliould become the admiration of the age. A re- action how- 
ever, has recently taken place — the progressive improvement of the 
State has been checked by a combination of circumstances which cannot 
last but for a moment. As soon as the eauses that produced this re-ac- 
tion shall have been removed, the j)i'osperity of the country must return. 
It might be considered out of my province to enter into the details of ail 



48 Industrial Resourcks 

the combined circumstances that brought about the temporary difficulty 
in which the State is at i^resent (1850) involved, but I do it with a view 
to point out a remedv, and also, to prevent strangers from falling into 
the same error which tended to create this difficulty. 

We cannot conceal the fact, that the elements of nature have been 
unpropitious to us for the last two or three years. Tne fall of snow dur- 
ing that time having been too scanty, our winter wheat crops have been 
miserably deficient in quantity as well as quality, the deterioration in 
quality however being the consequence of an over-supply of rain during 
tbe last harvest, which superinduced rust and other diseases injurious to 
the grain. This deficiency in quantity and quality, and the low price of 
wheat in our market, consequent on the glutted state of the English 
markets, have crippled the farming community, and rendered many of 
them unable to meet demands, which under more favorable eireumstanoes 
would weigh but lightly on them. The farmer's profits having been thus 
curtailed by untoward circums^tances, over which, under his present man- 
agement, he could have no control, the store-keeper and others depending 
on his eustom must necessarily feel the efi'ects. The failure of our winter 
wheat crop is only the natural result ef those unpropitious seasons, whicb 
the most favored countries in Europe and America have often experienced. 
A more advanced state of agricultural knowledge would enable the farmer 
to obviate some of these evils resulting from climate. To protect the 
seed from the killing effects of the winter frosts, it would be well to choose 
a favorable aspect for winter wheat, where the ground may be sheltered 
from the pernicious efi'ects of wind and weather. It would likewise be a 
o-reat improvement upon the present system to sow the seed in drills, as 
aff'ording a better protection from the frost than the present plan usually 
employed in this country of sowing the seed broad-cast, which from the 
light covering of soil over the grain aifords little or *o protection to the 
seed. I have seen the truth of these remarks verified in several places 
last year, but in no place so strikingly as in the township of Menomonee, 
Waukesha county. Tlie wheat was sown in drills, after having been 
ploughed sufficiently deep : the field was protected from the north west 
wind bv rising ground covered with a thick forest ; the land was of good 
quality ; and the crop was most abundant, but sufi'ered from the efi'ects 
of the heavy rains that fell before it was cut. It would be advisable that 
the farmers of W^isconsm should try other crops than wheat, which seems 
to be the only one they are anxious to raise, on account of its commanding 
a cash price in all our markets. 

While I am on this subject, it may be well to mention that our far- 
mers should raise more stock and cultivate a greater variety of crops than 
they do at present. Horned cattle, horses, sheep, and hogs, could be 
raised in great abundance in our State, which is admirably suited to the 



OP Wisconsin. 49 

growth and perfection of all and every one of these species of farming 
stock ; and the facility afforded of transmitting these to a good market 
by our lakes and rivers, and soon by rail roads, ought to induce the 
farmer to vary his system from what is at present but very precarious 
and not very profitable, to what he is sure would be highly remunerative. 
Barley would pay well here and in the eastern markets ; a greater breadth 
of soil should therefore be devoted to that article than is at present. Be. 
sides, the partial failure of the winter wheat crop, another cause has con- 
tributed to the depression generally felt throughout the country at present. 
Immigrants from Europe, tempted by the low price of land in this country, 
as compared with the prices in those they left, too frequently purchase 
a larger quantity of land than they are able to pay for ; giving a mortgage 
for the balance at high rates of interest. When pay day comes round, 
they, in too many cases, are unprepared to meet the demand by the pro- 
duce of their farm : therefore, they are obliged to raise money at such an 
enormous rate of interest as must prove ruinous in the end. This keeps 
the farmer poor all his life, except an improvement takes place in his 
crops and in the market prices. No one should purchase more land than 
he is able to pay for, nor should he under any circumstance leave himself 
without the means of working his farm, as land is of little value without 
the means of cultivating it. There is no use in paying taxes on land 
which produces nothing. For these reasons, I would recommend to every 
one to pay down for his land, and keep as much money as will enable him 
to work it to advantage. He must have a plough, a harrow, a spade, and 
other implements of husbandry, besides a team of horses, or a yoke of 
oxen. He will besides, require milk, butter, seed, and other necessaries 
for the use of his farm and family, till his crops come round. Let him 
at all events keep out of debt, as no return which the farm will make the 
first year can enable him to pay the enormous interest demanded in this 
western country.*) The truth of what I have stated here is proved by 
the vast number of mortgages that have been foreclosed durino' the year 
just past, in all these western states, owing to the insatiable desire of 
getting more land than people are able to pay for. Before I conclude 
this chapter, it may be useful to point out another mistake generally 
committed by the farmers of Wisconsin. Besides the propensity of 
purchasing too much land, they invariably manifest too great a desire 
to till more than they ought, which is a fallacy, not however so ruinous 
in its results as that of buying more as they can pay for. It is a mistake 
to till more than what can be done well, as ten acres well ploughed 
thoroughly drained, and carefully managed and attended to in the progress 
of its growth, will leave more profit than thirty scraped over and left to 

*) The legal interest now (1865) is 7 per cent. 
4 



50 Industrial Resources 

chance after. I liave seen the truth of this proved in many parts of this 
State, but in no place so fully as in the outskirts of Milwaukee, where 
an industrious and skillful German makes more of an acre than a country 
farmer does of five. This ought to be a useful lesson to our farmers. 
They shoidd manifest a greater desire to cultivate a small quantity well, 
than a large quantity badly, as by doing so, they would be sure of 
deriving a greater profit from their labor and outlay of capital. Looking 
to the present condition of Wisconsin, it must be admitted, that for many 
years to come her staple industry must be agriculture, therefore; it be- 
comes the imperative duty of those posses-sing the power and influence to 
provide instruction for the people in that branch of industry. Instruction 
precedes improvement; hence the State is bound to provide the farmer 
with the means of acquiring knowledge, without which he is sure to fellow 
in the footsteps of his father. This knowledge should be imparted to the 
boy at school, where he ought to .be instructed 23ractically, how to turn 
every thing to the best possible advantage. Nothing would tend to ad- 
vance the interest of the State more than to connect agricultural instruc- 
tion with the usual course already adopted in all our connnon schools, as 
well as in all our colleges throughout the State. This may be done with- 
out infringing materially on the funds, which, so far as the common 
schools are concerned, are ample for all purposes. In a subsequent part 
of the work I mean to resume this subject, and show how the plan may 
be effectually carried out. 

Abundance and cheapness of fuel form chief elements of success in a 
vast field of industry: therefore; it becomes necessary to compare the relative 
heating power of such articles of fuel as are used, as well for domestic 
purposes, as for chemical, metalurgic and steam purposes, by which we 
can ascertain their comparative economy, and hence make use of that 
"which will leave most profit. The only articles of fuel employed to any 
extent are turf, (peat,) wood and coal. Peat being found only in very 
limited quantities in this State it is scarcely necessary to introduce it 
into the discussion of the problem under consideration. However, as it 
is extensively used for very important purposes in other countries, a brief 
account of its origin, character, and use may not be unacceptable. The 
production of peat is confined to places containing water, when the temp- 
erature is so low as that vegetables may decompose without putrifying. 
In the production of peat, a species of moss (sphagnum) is allowed on 
all hands to have been a principal agent, and superabundant moisture the 
inducing cause. The great golden hair moss (polytrichum) seems to act 
no inconsiderable part in the production of turf bogs. Many species of 
feather moss (hypum) ; thread moss (bryum) ; spring moss (mnium) ; 
besides many other species lend their assistance. It is a fact not more 
curious than it is true, that many bogs in the north of Europe and Ire- 



OF Wisconsin. 51 

land occupy the place of immense forests of pine and oak, many of them 
haA'ing disappeared within the historic era. Such changes are brought 
about by the fall of trees, and the stagnation of water caused by their 
trunks and bi-anches obstructing the free passage or drainage of the at- 
mospheric waters, and giving rise to a marsh. Mosses appear to require 
a much lower temperature and a more rough climate than most other 
vegetables. Their most vigorous growth and propagation are in the 
spring and autumn. In low situations, they are seldom or never seea 
growing in the middle of summer ; heat always impeding their vegetation. 
It is an opinion very generally entertained, that most of the peat bogs of 
Europe are not more ancient than the age in wliich Julius Caesar lived, and 
I have no doubt that many of the bogs of Ireland are not of an older date 
than Henry the Second's reign, when extensive forests were cut down by 
his orders, to prevent the Irish from taking shelter in them, and haras- 
sing his troops. A peat bog is in process of formation on either side of 
the Menomonee river near Milwaukee. The quantity of peat moss al- 
ready accumulated in that locality amounts to many feet in depth, and I 
have no doubt but that a considerable part of that valley, which I could 
now point out, will in time become a vegetable mass of turf bog, if the 
process now in operation be not checked. All that part of the valley now 
occupied by the deep marsh, must have been at no distant period, an 
estuary or small lake, connected with Lake Michigan by the present 
stream. Had not the progress of growth been checked, all the lower 
parts of the city of Milwaukee would in the process of time, be covered 
with a turf bog. A similar process as that now in operation in the marsli, 
is going on in many parts of the State ; but the result as an article of fuel, 
will be of little value so long as our forests last. In Ireland, where the 
seventh part of the island is bog, it is a matter of much national interest 
to convert so large a portion to a profitable use. The fault that character- 
izes turf as a fuel is want of density, which renders it dfficult to remove, 
and also, to concentrate the quantity of heat required for numerous pur- 
poses. In the subsequent part of this work, I mean to point out some of 
the industrial purposes to which turf may be practically applied. At 
present, I mean to confine my enquiry to its economic employment in the 
smelting of iron, and also, in the manufacture of cutlery and other instru- 
ments requiring strength, elasticity, and durability. When we employ 
pit coal in the smelting of iron, the article produced generally retains 
impurities, which reduce its strength and lessen its value. But when turf 
charcoal is employed, iron is produced in its greatest purity. It may be 
necessary for my purpose to show that charcoal produced from turf is 
nearly allied to that produced from wood. When the forests of England 
and Ireland became exhausted, both countries had recourse to Russia and 
Sweden, where iron was had in great purity, from the circumstance of its 



52 Industrial Resourcks 

being smelteed with charcoal. From experiments carefulij conducted in 
Ireland to ascertain the comparative heating power of turf, and also, its 
comparative cost, it was found that when perfectly dry, turf had a haating 
power equal to half that of English coal. When English eoal was used, 
the cost of fuel for a horse power was found to be about fifteen cents per 
working day of twelve hours ; but using turf manufactured in the ordinary 
way, the cost of fuel for a horse power was eighteen cents, for the day of 
twelve hours, which no doubt is far too much, if the turf had been eco- 
nomically worked and the fire-place properly constructed, neither of which 
was the ease in the experiments above refered to. Much of course depends 
on the cost of carriage, in estimating the expense of turf. IJeing of great 
bulk, as compared with coal, the cost of transmission to a distance forms 
a large item. A gentleman in England trying the comparative expense, 
of turf and coal, as heating agents to generate steam, found that an engine , 
when turf was used, to produce steam, did the same amount of work for 
just half the price, as when coal was used. This great disparity in the 
expense of the coal, was due in this case, to the distance it had to be 
drawn, and to the rigid economy used in preparing the turf and the fire 
place. On the continent of Europe where the coal fields are of limited 
extent, and where the promotion of native industry i? an object of pri- 
mary importance, the economy of every source of fuel becomes a matter 
of necessity. Turf is extensively used in the industrial arts in Prussia 
in Bavaria, and in France. Within a few years considerable attention 
has been paid to the manufacture of turf on a large scale in Ireland and 
England. Its large bulk and the characteristic difficulty of concentrating 
its heat for certain purposes, formed the chief objection to its general use 
in Ireland. To remove its porosity. Lord Willoughby, an English noble- 
man, invented a machine to compress the peat by means of steam, but on 
account of its complexity and enormous price, its use has been dispensed 
with. Charles Wye Williams, of Dublin, brought into use a preparation 
of turf which appears to answer well. His process is, to dry the turf well, 
and then impregnate it with tar, which renders it water proof, besides in- 
creasing its calorific power to equal that of coal very nearly. The procesg 
of impregnating the turf with tar is by no means expensive. Mr Williams 
uses a hydraulic press. The turf is broken or rather mashed up, and then 
rolled between cloths, to allow only the water to escape when subjected 
to pressure. This process reduces it to about one third of the volume, 
and it loses about two-fifths of its weight, by the escape of the water 
through the pores of the cloth. When thus pressed, it is set out to dry. 
The density of the coke produced from this preparation exceeds that of 
wood charcoal, and the expense but very little. The peat produced by 
Mr. Wye Williams' process is used extensively in mills, destilleries and 
inland steamboats. In connection with my business in Dublin as Civil 



OF Wisconsin. 53 

Engineer, I manufactured to a limited extent, peat and brick presses, 
which, however, were found too expensive when employed in compressing 
turf. 

The turf made by my press equaled in solidity the best bituminous 
coal, and took a polish equal to the finest and closest grained wood. 
This turf burnt very slowly and emitted very little flame, but sent out 
heat of gr.eat intensity. When mixed with culm or the dust of coal, it 
burned somewhat like stone coal, of which I shall write presently. In 
Ireland, where bog is found in such abundance, the farmers us ethe stuft' 
not only as a source of heat but also as a manure, from which they derive 
great profit. Its qualities in many respects are rery curious and some- 
what peculiar. In its natural state, scarcely any thing will grow in it 
except the mosses from which it is produced ; but by destroying its anti- 
ceptic quality it becomes an excellent manure, especially, when mixed 
with other substances. It preserves animal and vegetable substance for 
a very long period. I have seen some butter which had been buried deep 
in a bog for a great many years, preserve all its characteristic properties, 
and it is known to preserve wood from decay for many centuries. The 
quantity of iron occasionally associated with bog is one of the most curious 
circumstances connected with it. Of this ore I shall speak further on. 

Peat contains much less nitrogen than coal, and therefore, the liquor 
obtained from it by distillation, contains no free ammonia. It contains 
acetic acid, but in such small quantities as not to become an object of 
manufacture — like wood. The heating character of turf is, to distribute 
the heat over a large area, whilst no one point is heated to any consider, 
able degree of intensity injurious to metals ; by which it is peculiarly 
adapted to steam boilers, which are frequently burned away from the in- 
tensity of the heat of coal or coke. Possessing a large quantity of in- 
flammable ingredients, it makes a most cheerful fire for domestic purposes. 
Being distributed over a large portion of Ireland, composing about one- 
seventh of its area, it is one of the very few comforts the poor of that very 
unfortunate country enjoy. The quality of turf varies considerably 
When ignited, it emmits inflammable gas and much water, and leaves a 
light char-coal. The specimens which were analyzed in Ireland, by Sir 
Robert Kane, yielded the respective quantities of volatile matter, pure 
charcoal and ashes in the foUowintr table : 



Volatile matter 
Pure charcoal 
Ashes 



LIGHT TURF. 


DENSE. 


TCKF. 


73.63 


72 80 


70.10 


23.82 


19.14 


23.66 


2.55 


8.06 


6.24 



100.00 100.00 100.00 

I have devoted more space to the article of turf, as a source of heat, 

than its limited quantity in Wisconsin would appear to warrant, but as 



54 



Industrial Resoukcks 



the State is not altogether destitute of it, and as it is extensively used in 
other countries for various industrial purjDOses, I thought that to omit it 
altogether, might be considered a fault in such a work as the present, at 
least in a scientific point of view. Though the State of Wisconsin is con- 
sidered not to contain coal, yet, as it is used in every part, in all industrial 
operations of magnitude, a chapter on it as a soui-ce of heat, appears to 
he indispensable. Coal has had its origin in the amassing together of a 
large quantity of vegetable matter, at a period long before man had made 
his appearance on the stage of existence. 



C H x\ P T E R III. 



From tbe vast quantity of vegetable matter necessary to form many 
of the coal fields which are found in various parts of the Old and New 
Worlds, there is no doubt but that vegetation must have been then much 
more rapid than at present in the same localities. From the nature of 
the trees and plants, which are still discoverable in a fossil state in many 
of the coal beds, it is evident that they must have grown in a climate 
much warmer than is enjoyed by the same localities at present. The plants 
discernable in the coal, belong, fer the most part, to a tropical climate. 
The luxuriance of their growth, as indicated by their gigantic size, gives 
a temperate climate no claim to them. All their characteristic forms and 
types prove their origin as belonging to a climate of high temperature. 
To what are we to attribute the change of temperature from the coal 
formation period to the present ? Is it caused by the change of the po- 
sition of our globe in reference to the sun? Or, are we to refer the cause 
to the action of internal heat ? Physical astronomy proves that no very 
great change of temperature can result from any change of position that 
can pos.«ibly take place in our planet in relation to the sun — that change 
being confined within very narrow limits. We are, therefore, constrained 
to refer tbe cause of the rapid growth of those gigantic fossil plants found 
in temperate climates to internal heat. The theory which refers the large 
growth of plants to internal heat, is not a variance with laws at present 
^n active operation. The number of burning mountains at present to be 
found in very high latitudes, in every quarter of the globe, as well as in 
the numerous islands scattered over the face of the deep, attest the fact, 
that none of nature's laws are violated, by referring that high degree of 
temperature requisite for the production of tropical plants to internal heat, 
existing in high latitudes. The change of temperature from high to low, 
is also due to the change of circumstances, such as the relative change of 
land and water, of high and low lands, diminution of internal heat, and 
other natural causes, which I shall discuss in the chapter devoted to the 
climate of Wisconsin. 



56 Industsrial Reources 

Sir John Richardson is of opinion, that the arctic regions were once 
warm enough to produce vegetation, sufficient to support a vast creation 
of herbivorous animals, such as we find entombed therein. lie attributes 
the excessive vegetation to internal heat. 

The organization of many trees and plants is perfectly visible in some 
specimens of coal, but in others, all traces of their original form is com- 
pletely obliterated. Geology teaches us that the superficial crust of our 
planet has been subjected to natural convulsions, in whieh forests were 
prostrated, and currents set in motion, bearing with them in their course 
masses of vegetable matter, which being deposited under enormous pressure, 
where the influence of elevated temperature tended to decompose them, 
when in contact with water, was converted into coal after the lapse of 
ages. Geology sets no limits to her periods, each of which may consist of 
ages, through which natural laws continue to operate without intermission, 
ending in those wonderful results, daily brought to light by the industry 
of scientific research. Numerous geological specimens point out the pro- 
gress of change effected by time under favorable circumstances. Fossi 
wood or brown coal, exhibits a state between recent wood and perfect 
coal. We can also trace the chemical changes which take place in the 
conversion of wood into coal, and also learn from the fossil remains of 
riiany species of plants, the internal structure and character of the numer- 
ous classes or divisions of the ancient Flora. Although no one at this 
time denies the vegetable origin of coal, yet evidence of the original struct- 
ure is not in all cases attainable, the most perfect bituminous coal having 
undergone complete iiquifaction,by which all traces of its vegetable origin 
are completely obliterated. It would not suit my present purpose to 
dwell at much greater length on the origin of coal ; but tlie article being 
of such general use, I am induced to offer a few more remarks on the 
subject. It is rather interesting to trace the causes that produce differ- 
ent changes in vegetable matter. Bituminous coal is generally found 
where the strata remain level and unbroken ; and anthracite where the 
stratification is broken and distorted. When the gases escape in conse- 
quence of a disturbing force, bituminous coal is transformed into anthra- 
cite, to which various names are given ; such as split coal, glance coal, 
culm, &c. When no volcanic action disturbs the stratification, the car- 
bonic acid, carbonated hydrogen, nitrogen, and oliphiant gases remain un- 
disturbed in the coal. This accounts for the large cjuantities of anthracite 
found in the disturbed rocks of Pennsylvania, while the level regions 
abound in bituminous coal. And when the action of heat expels nearly 
all the gaseous ingredients from anthracite, it is transformed into plum- 
bago. 

Mr. Lyel writing on the great accumulation of anthracite in Penn- 
sylvania, says, "The vegetable matter whieh is represented by the im- 



OF Wisconsin. 57 

mense mass of anthracite must, before it was condensed by preesure, and 
the discharge of its oxygen, hydrogen, and other volatile ingredients, have 
been probably between two hundred and three hundred feet thick. The 
accumulation of such a thickness of the remains of plants so unmixed with 
earthy ingredients would be most difficult to explain on the hypothesis of 
their having been drifted into the place they now occupy. Whether we 
regard the stagmaria as roets, or embrace the doctrine of their being 
aquatic plants, no one can doubt that they at least are fosilified on the 
very spot where they grew, and as all agree that they are not marine 
plants, they must be terrestrial." It is however evident, that water is 
constantly drifting and depositing vegetable matter, which in time will be- 
come coal, if placed under favorable circumstances. The bogs of Europe 
grew were they now stand, and would under favorable circumstances be- 
come coal, which, in general terms is, a carbonized mass, in which the in- 
ternal structure generally remains, while in most cases_, the external forms 
are obliterated. When the microscope is brought to bear on geological 
objects, it is probable that the internal structure and external forms of 
minute vegetable fosils shall be distinctly recognized. When I come to 
treat of the geology of Wisconsin, I shall point out those rock formations 
with which coal is generally associated. I might mention here that the 
coal formation stands quite distinct from those above and below it, and 
that its formation was limited to one geological period, which from the 
depth of some of the beds found in this country as well as in England, 
must have taken a vast time to accumulate. Though geologists limit the 
coal formation to one geological period, yet I see no reason to restrict the 
2)roduction of combustible bituminous coal to any single period, or serie^ 
of strata, as it may occur in situations pi'esenting local conditions favor' 
able to the complete bituminization of masses of vegetable matter. These 
recent formations, however, in temperate climates, can never equal in 
deptb or magnitude, those formations peculiar to what is called the coal 
formation period, which seems from its high temperature, to be peculiarly 
favorable to the growth of these gigantic plants, peculiar to that period. 
I have no doubt but that the production of lignite is constantly going on. 
and the beds of recent origin found in the State of Maine attest the fact. 
This recent production is found in a bog near Limerick, in that State, at 
a depth of four feet under the surface. It is represented as true bitumi- 
nous coal. I have seen beds of lignite at Laugh Neagh, Ireland, which 
clearly exhibit the process of formation now going on. — This fuel is inter- 
mediate between coal and wood. In the specimens I have seen, the struct- 
ure of the wood was discernable. It is generally of a brown color, and 
its economic value is about two thirds that of average coal. Its heat is 
not so intense as that of coal, but more diffused. — Lignite, when ignited, 
burns brilliantly and gives out gaseous matter, leaving dense, black char- 



58 Industrial Resource? 

eoul. The average constitution of two specimens of lignite, as also their 

chemical composition, are seen in the following tables : 

Volatile matter, _ . . 55.700 

Pure charcoal, - - . _ 31.875 

Ashes, - - . - 12.425 



1 00.000 



Carbon, . - . . 54.9G0 

Hydrogen, _ . _ _ 6.650 

Oxygen, _ . - . 25.905 

Ashes, - - - - • - 12.425 



100.000 
Anthracite is a description of coal well known in many parts of the 
world. Its composition is very uniform, and it burns without flame, and 
does not cake. It is generally termed mineral charcoal, and is considered 
j)ure carbon mixed only with ashes. In some localities I have seen this 
coal associated with iron pyrites, and from the sulphurious fumes it emit- 
ted, it was not fit for domestic purposes, nor for any purpose in the arts. 
The average composition of pure anthracite may be taken as represented 
by the following numbers : 

Carbon, - . _ . 94.125 

Ashes, - - - . - 5, S75 



100.000 

The peculiar composition of anthracite limits its use in the arts, in a 
very high degree, where science is not brought into requisition to obviate 
the disadvantages peculiar to it. In other respects it has many advantages. 
It conducts heat but slowly, and is difficult to burn. It contains very 
little combustible matter ; but j^^roduces a most intense heat, which, how- 
ever, is confined to the immediate neighborhood of the fire. When anal- 
ysed it yields the following quantities : 

Volatile matter, - - - 10.20 

Pure carbon, _ _ _ . 82.42 

Ashes, - . - - 7.3S 



100.00 
The peculiarity which confines the heat to the neighborhood of the fire, 
tends to burn the boiler when used to generate steam, but is by no means 
eifective in causing evaporation. Science, however, obviates this defect, 
by passing the vapor of water through the red-hot coal. The water being 
decomposed, the oxygen combines with carbon, the composition forming 
carbonic oxide, and the hj'drogen is set free. "These mixed combustible 
gases pass into the flues, and inflaming in the excess of air which enters, 
gives a sheet of flame, which I have seen to extend for thirty feet under 



OF Wisconsin 59 

and tbrough a boiler." By thus allowing the vapor of water to pass 
through red-hot anthracite, it is converted into flaming coal. The process 
gives no gain or loss of heat, but remove?' it from where it would act in- 
juriously, and distributes it over a large area, where its maximum econo- 
mical effect is obtained. Its economical effect was tested on the Liverpool 
and Manchester Rail Road, and the result of the experiment showed that 
5|- Hundred of anthracite generated the same amount of power, by the 
agency of steam, as 7|- hundred of coke, which is the most expensive fuel 
at our disposal. That which accomplishes most, ia any operation whatso- 
ever, for the same outlay, is considered the most economical. In the above 
experiment Sj hundred of anthracite accomj^lishes the same duty as 7^ 
hundred of coke, and coke, besides, is much more costly than anthracite. 
Hence the economy of this fuel when used under the direction of science, 
without which, its use would be a positive loss. It is known that pure 
carbon reduces to the metallic state, 35 parts of lead, while bituminous 
coal only reduces from 25 to 30 ; but when anthracite is used, it reduces 
from 28 to 32 times its own weight, which shows that where it can be 
suitably employed, it is among the best fuels. 

The next specimen of coal I shall notice, is bituminous coal, which is 
the fitest for most purposes. It ignites freely, gives out flame, and cakes. 
Its effective power to generate steam, as compared with other sources of 
heat is seen in this table. 

Hydrogen, ----- 46.8 Average Coal. ----- 12.0 

Pure Charcoal, - - - - 14.G Best Turf, ------- 6.0 

Coke, .--.-. 13.0 Dry Wood, ------ 7.0 

Best Turf Coke, - - - -12.8 Wood, not dried, 5.2 

These numbers are the result of a series of trials, expressly made by 
competent scientific persons, with a view to ascertain the absolute heating 
power of fuels of different kinds. In the experiments one pound of each 
kind of fuel was employed, and the testing power was, to find how many 
pounds of water a pound of each kind was capable of evaporating. The coal 
employed was bituminous, of the average kind. -- By looking over the 
numbers representing the evaporating power of different kinds of fuel, it 
will be seen that hydrogen has the greatest, and fresh wood the least 
heating power ; and that coke made of coals, turf coke, and bituminous 
coals have nearly equal power, and are very little inferior to pure charcoal. 
It may be further seen that the best quality of turf, not c'ompressed, is 
very little inferior to dry wood. Doctor Fyfe, of Edinburgh, made several 
trials to ascertain the relative evaporative power of anthracite and bitu- 
minous coal, and his experiments showed that with the same furnace one 
pound of anthracite evaporated 7. 94 pounds of water, whilst one pound of 
coal evaporated only 6.62 pounds. — Dr. Fyfe remarks that the heating 
power of any fuel is proportional to the quantity of fixed carbon it con- 



60 Industrial Resources 

tains ; that is, of pure coke. The following numbers represent their re- 
spective ingredients ; 

Anthracite. Bituminous Coal. 

Moisture, -----4.5 7.5 

Volatile matter, - - - - 14.3 84.5 

Fixed carbon, - - - -70.8 50.5 

Ashes, 11.8 7.5 



100.0 100.0 

The fixed carbon iu anthracite and bituminous coal are represented 
by llA and 50.5 which are nearly proportionalr to the numbers 7.94 and 
6.62, expressing their effective power in generating steam. The result 
varies when the quality of the fuel varies, and also when the circumstances 
under wkieh the fuel burns, and the steam is generated vary. But for 
all practical purposes, the tabular numbers above may be taken to express 
the relative ingredients of anthracite and bituminous coal, ^ 

The United States are richer in coal than any part of the known 
world, as may be seen from the following taken from the valuable work 
of Mr. C. Taylor : 

United States, - _ _ 133,lo"2 square miles. 

British America, - - - 18,000 

Great Britain, - - - 11,000 

France, _ . . . _ 1,709 ,, ,, 

Spain, 8,408 

Belgium, ----- 528 ,, ,, 

It: may be seen from this table that the United States contain over 
twelve times as great an extent containing coal as Great Britain. 

A single one of these gigantic mines runs about 900 miles from 
Pennsylvania to Alabama, and embraces 50,000 square miles, ec^al to, 
the whole of England proper. 

Natural Oil. — From what has been here stated, we can easily ac- 
count for those subterraneous collections of natural oils found in many parts 
of the world. When the stratafication is horizontal and not disturbed by 
vulcanic action, which sometimes throws horizontal beds into an inclined 
positition, the combustible materials remain incorporated with the rock, 
the water not having the same facility or power to remove or carry away 
the oily substances to a lower level, as when the stratafication is inclined 
and broken. There may however be a little drippling distillation from 
the edges of the horizontal coal fields, but can rarely be expected towards 
the central parts. Anthracite coal being produced by the disturbance of 
a bituminous horizontal stratum, oil may be expected in the regions of 
anthracite coal fields, or in the surrounding districts. When oil is found 
near the surface, at a considerable distance from a hill, the supply cannot 
last long. — When several wells are sunk at small distances apart, the 



OF Wisconsin, 61 

supply cannot be permanent, but may increase after a short or long inter- 
val, according to the rapidity or slowness of the distilling process, vrhich is 
still continued. A gentleman of some eminence writing on this subject, 
says, ,,Sea organism, both animal and vegetable, seems to have contri- 
buted the principal, if not the sole apparatus for generating petrolium." 
This sweeping assertion is a mistake. There is no doubt but that oil has 
its origin in the slow decomposition of vegetable tissue and dead animal 
matter, both land and marine, such as masses of reeds, rushes, ferns, sea 
weeds, land and marine animals of every description, when collected to- 
gether in sufficient quantities, and under favorable decomposing circum- 
stances. I have no doubt that the- most abundant source of oil is coal. 
When the stratafication is broken and considerably inclined, the water 
carries down the oil to a lower level where it collects in some basin cap- 
able of holding fluids. 

The science of geology teaches us that the ancient seas, as well as 
the modern, were full of animal and vegetable life ; that the animals and 
vegetables which abounded in those ancient reservoirs, after having played 
their respective parts on the stage of existence, died off, and were suc- 
ceeded by others of their kind, and a different kind, after a long geological 
period. An accumulation of such decomposed gelatinous animals and 
fueous plants would after a long lapse of time, produce vast quantities of 
animal and vegetable hydrocarbons, which being enveloped in sand mud, 
would consolidate and form bitumen, such as we find in many parts of the 
world, both beneath and on the surface of the ground. 

It has been long known that the crystals of grafites found in the 
©Idest rocks were once oily substances ; and the lumps of amber, with 
which some of the newest rocks abound, were of similar substances. 

It is a curious fact that pure water and flakes of anthracite are sepa- 
rately found in some of the best specimens of rock crystal. I had such a 
specimen in my own cabinet, I had also specimens of bitumen found in 
both the old and new red sandstone, produced Jrom flattened fish, which 
showed the scales and other lines, however minute, with great distinct- 
ness. When the decomposition of the fish was complete and the pressure 
enormous, the outlines, as above described, were no longer visible but 
appeared on the stone like a blackish daub. It is a couceeded fact that 
what is known as bituminous limestone of different geological ages is a 
petrefied mass of oil produced by the slow decomposition of animal and 
vegetable dead matter. This limestone, when broken, emits an offensive 
odor ; and some rocks are so thoroughly charged with this animal dead 
matter, that, when broken, they are so offensively fetid as to get the very 
appropriate name of stink stone. 

The fossilliferous black shale, are in many places, charged with this 
bituminous dead matter. I had numerous specimens in my cabinet showing 



G2 Industrial Resoukces 

the wonderful operations of nature in producing stones of different kinds 
by the slow operation of the petrifaction. Limestone formed from coral 
reefs is known to he altogether composed of animal and vegetable dead 
matter. 

The native fuel at our disposal in Wisconsin is wood, which has 
different heating powers. As a general thing, the heating power of wood 
is proportional to its density, all otijer things being equal. But a differ- 
ence in the composition of woods of equal density will, of course, produce 
a difference in their heating powers. Though we are destitute of coal in 
Wisconsin, as far as we know at present, yet we have a vast source of heat 
in our forests. The State of Wisconsin is computed to contain 63,924 
square miles, which being reduced to square acres, gives 34,511,360. 
Now it is not too much to allow, on an average, 25 cords to an acre which 
would place 862,784,000 cords at our disposal, for domestic purposes, if 
the whole state were covered with wood. Allowing that the prairie and 
cleared lands comprise half the surface, half the above quantity is avail- 
able for domestic purposes — namely, 481,392,000 cords. The heating 
quality of the woods generally employed for fuel, ranges in the following- 
order : Iron-W^ood, Hickory, Maple, White-Oak, Red -Oak, Beech, Butter- 
nut, Yellow-Pine, White-Pine, Bass-Wood, Poplar. 

Iron-Wood being found only in small quantities, its use as fuel may 
be left out The above quantity of firewood is, of course, but an aproxim- 
ation, which, however, cannot be very far from the truth. 

The number of houses in the state, in 1850, was 56,281 ; allowing 
each house on an average to burn thirty cords in a year, the population of 
1850 would require 255 years to consume all the available fuel in Wis- 
consin at present. 

In one of the back tables it is seen that one pound of coal evaporates 
twelve pounds of water, and one pound of dry wood, only seven pounds ; 
the effective power of coal in evaporating water, as compared with that of 
dry wood, is as twelve to seven. Hence the effective power of wood is 
only 7-12ths that of coal, the weight being equal. Mr. Scott Russell, an 
eminent Scotch Engineer, gives the following as the working conditions 
of the evaporation of water and the generation of power ; one cubic foot 
of water evaporated per hour, is equal to one horse power ; 11 pounds of 
coal evaporate a cubic foot of water, therefore, from the above proportion, 
nearly 19 pounds of dry wood evaporate a cubic foot. One pound of coal 
evaporates 6.6 pounds of water; one pound of wood evaporates 3.82 
pounds. Here the quantity of water required to generate a horse-power 
of steam is nearly double what theory assigns to it above, and the quantity 
of coal and wood is also nearly double. This great difference is the result 
of using a badly shaped boiler, whose greatest evaporative effect is 9 
ounds (nearly) of water for one pound of coal, and 5f pounds of water 



OF Wisconsin. 63 

for one pound of wood. We may consider a horse power as represented by 
one cubic foot of water evaporated per hour, with at least ten pounds of coal 
or seventeen pounds of wood, using the ordinary steam engine and commou 
wagon boiler. Now, if we suppose a cord of wood to weigh three thousand 
pounds, 4.313,928,000 cords would weigh 1,294,176,000,000 pounds, 
which, divided by 17 gives 76,128,000,000 horse power. By using the 
improved boiler perforated by flues, and working the steam expansively, 
the same quantity of fuel would produce nearly double the horse power 
above given ; that is, all the wood in Wisconsin at present is sufficient to 
generate steam equal to 152,256,000,000 horse power. The power of a 
horse is variously rated. Bolton and Watt are of opinion that a horse is 
able to raise 32,000 pounds avoirdupois one foot high in one minute ; 
others make it 44,000 pounds, 27,000 and 33,000. It is common in 
practice to allow 44,000 pounds, or at least 23,000 lbs. for one horse 
power. In calculating horse power it should be stated which of these two 
numbers has been taken. 

If the rapid increase of population should continue, as I have no doubt 
it will, the forest will soon vanish, and coal must be used as a substitute. 
But should coal, as a fuel be found too expensive, every proprietor will 
find it necessary to keep up a fresh supply of growing timber for his own 
use, at least, by which the state can never suffer for want of fuel for 
domestic purposes. In the course of time those persons occupying prairies 
will be driven to the necessity of planting for domestic purposes. We 
find that in France and other European countries, the forests are allowed 
to grow in order to supply a dense population with fuel ; why then should 
we apprehend a scarcity in Wisconsin for, at least, some ages to come. 
When the carriage of cord-wood becomes to expensive, which of course it 
must in some localities^ at no distant period, they must have reoource to 
coal, which can be had from the neighboring states of Illinois, Minnesota 
and Iowa, at a cost of transport which will diminish in proportion as rail- 
roads and vrater communication will increase. The facilities of transport 
offered by our lakes and rivers, and the projected rail-roads through our 
State, will enable us to procure coal at a little more cost than it may be 
procured for in some parts of the states where it is found. When we 
employ coal in the smelting of iron the article produced preserves impuri- 
ties highly injurious to it ; therefore, for the finer purposes of cutlery and 
of machinery, we invariably use charcoal. England, so justly celebrated 
for its manufacture of iron, imports quantities from Russia and Sweden. 
which being smelted and refined by means of wood charcoal, is better 
adapted to all the purposes of fine work than any that can bo manufactured 
by means of coal. Our numerous mines, in connection with the great 
quantities of wood charcoal at our disposal, will, when vigorously worked, 
prove a source of wealth to our state. In the progress of the work I shall 



(54 Industrial Resources 

have occasion to say more in detail of our mines, which, in some metals, 
are the richest in the world. 

Experience has proved that trees for lumber, if cut at one season of 
the year, are far more durable than if cut at another. Wood, to be lasting 
must be cut at the end of summer, or beginning of autumn ; but if it is 
wished to clothe the surface with a new growth of trees, the cutting must 
be made late in winter. The strength and elasticity depend considerably 
on the season of cutting, also. In another point of view, the amount of 
water contained in the wood is of importance. The amount of water in 
the wood is sometimes from 20 to 50 per cent., and the average may be 
rated at 35 or 40 per cent of its weight, which, in its carriage to market 
makes a great diflference in the amount of labor expended. The water in 
wood intended for firing is not only of no good, but of positive injury. 
As all the heat required to dissipate the water is in a latent state while 
employed in this process, its eifect is lost, especially if the wood is con- 
sumed on the hearth or in a stove. This should be recollected by every 
one buying green wood. The caloric in the wood is employed first to 
convert the water it contains into steam, in which state it escapes through 
the pores. During this process the heat is in a latent state, and its heating 
influence partly lost. Hence it appears that dry wood has two advantages — 
the one in the way of carriage to market, ond the other in its heating in- 
fluence — two very important advantages. 

The statistics of the lumber trade, conducted on the Wisconsin, 
Black, Chippewa, and the St. Croix rivers and their tributaries, as taken 
from Dr. Owen's Report, published in lb48, gives the following quanti- 
ties, which will convey some idea of the importance of this trade to the 
State of Wisconsin. In 1847 there were on the Wisconsin River, 24 mills, 
running 45 saws, and sawing about l9J millions of square feet, worth, at 
the mills, about $6 per 1000, and 3 millions of shingles, worth $2 per 
1000, On Black River and its tributaries, there were, at the time above 
referred to, 13 mills, running 16 saws, and turning out 6,350,000 feet of 
lumber annually, and 500,000 shingles, besides 45,000 feet of square 
timber, at $25 per thousand. On the Chippewa and ita tributaries, there 
were five mills and seven saws, manufacturing 5,350,000 feet of lumber, 
8,100,000 lathing, 1,300,000 shingles, 50,000 feet of square timber, and 
2,000 logs. On the St Croix and its tributaries, there were five mills 
and twelve saws in operation, which cut 7,700,000 feet of boards and 
plank, 6,000,000 laths, 100,000 shingles, 15,000 logs. By the time this 
reaches St. Louis, its value is nearly doubled, making the actual income 
to the inhabitants of these locations from this trade alone, upwards of half 
a million of dollars From the influx of strangers, to these regions, since 
the above dates, and the increasing demand for lumber in and out of the 
State, the annual quantity manufactured at present in these localities. 



oi' Wisconsin. (55 

■cannot fall sliurf of an auioutit worth uiic million. 'I ht^ clnL't lumber 
regions arc foiiiul in the following counties, viz : AVinncbagi), iMarathon, 
Eau. Clairo, Brown, Dunn, i>ranitowoc, Fond du Lac, Chippewa, Portagv. 
Door, Juneaii, Oconto, Waupacea, Sheboygan, Pepin, Jeiferson, Clarkr, 
Outagamie, St. Croix, Dodge, Pierce, La Crosse, Sauk, Vernon, Green, 
Wasliington, Grant, Douglas, other countie.*. not nientianed. All pro- 
■ducing in the year 1S65, 884,528,000 feet. To this great quantity, may be 
added the produce of sixfeen other counties, which however, made no 
report. 

The lumber business em[»loys many thousands in cutting, hauling, 
sawing, rafting, and sliipping, and the quantity of pines yet standing, 
will be sufficient to give employment to thousands, for year.s to come, 
while the yearly profit will enrich the owners. 

From the calculation, in the pine regions of New York and New 
England, of t!ie quantity of lumber, whicli an acre of land will produce, 
5000 acres of land must be denuded, annually, in the Chippewa district 
alone. South of the Wisconsin river there arc no piuQ lands of any 
extent ; therefore the whole Mississippi country below the Wisconsin 
river, and north of the mouth of the Ohio, must be supplied with timber 
from the Chip])ewa land district. Dr. Owen concludes his report in the 
following words : "The future circumstances and value of the trade can 
be well appreciated by those who have witnessed the rate of Immigration 
into these vast and fertile plains of the United States, particularly when . 
they consider the preference given. to Avooden liuildings in the Avest, and 
the increased consumption of building material, not only in the larfer 
cities, but also for the construction of those numerous towns and villages 
which spring up, as if by magic, along the shores of the Mississippi and its 
tributaries." Some of the pine lands are valuable only tor the immense 
quantity of timber they produce. To give some idea of the quantity, the 
steamboat War Eagle towed out of Lake St. Croix, at one time, a raft of 
logs and sawed lumber, which covered eleven acres by measurement. 
Further on will be seen the immense amount of profit derived from the 
lumber trade in those districts having an outlet for their trade through 
Green Bay. The improvement already fmade on the Fox River, and 
those under contract, give strong hopes of a vast increase in the lumber 
business in that extensive region wliose )iatural outlet is Green Bay. 
But recent difficulties connected with the improvement of that river, 
have excited a general fear that the hojies of those anxious for the 
improvement, will never be realized. As matters stand at present, it 
is hard to say whether or not the works will ever .be completed. As so 
much of the public money has been already expended, anil as th(! pro- 
posed improvement would doubtless prove of vast benefit to a very lar^e 
district, it is to be regretted that it should be chnked in its progress bv 



CiG Indi'stim.vl Hksoukces ^ 

any untoward circumstance growing out of causes whicli called torth the 
authority of the executive. The legislature is this moment actively 
engaged in debating pro et con, the expediency of stopping the works 
altogether, or ])ushing them on to completion. I should be sorry that 
■works of such importance to a vast district should now be abandoned. 
With a prcspcct of a net-work of railroads through every part of the State, 
the benefit resulting from the opening of the navigation of the Fox and 
Wisconsin liivers may not be equal to the expectations at first enter- 
tained ; but be that as it may, the navigation of these rivers could not 
fail of being a source of benefit to the lumber-trade of the Northwest, a.s 
well as to other })ranches of business depending on the transportation of 
heavy articles, which can best and most economically be effected by 
water carriage.*) The following statistics of the business of the North- 
west will further show the importance of the lumber trade of this distant 
re-^non, as well as amount of cash in circulation : 

ESTIMATED EXPORTS OK 1851. 

There are on the Mississippi River, above the mouth of the 
St. Croix 1-viver, engaged ni cutting logs, 11 saws, cut- 
ting 15 millions feet of lumber, at ^10 per thousand 150,000 
Ten millions of logs at $5, _ 50,000 
On tlie St. Croix are 17 saws, cutting -<"> millions feet, at 

1 10 ])er thousand, ^ 1^00,000 

Twenty-two millions, at $5, * 110,00() 

Square lumber, latliing, &c.. 10,000 

H 80,0 00 
( hic jniii is in progress of erection for driving sixty saws, at 

the outlet of St. Croix Lake. 
The Chippewa River yields twenty millions feet of lumber, 

at^lO, 200,00'J 

Four million feet of logs, at ^5, 20,0L'O 

Square timber, lathing, &c., 5,000 

225,000 

The Black River yields fifteen millions feet, at ten dollars, 150,000 

Logs, square timber, lathing, &c.. 15,000 

Furs and peltfries for the whole region, 200,000 

Whole amount of exports estimated, $1,170,000 

ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF IMPORTS. 

For St. Croix raid Chippe.ioa . 

7,454 bbls. of Pork, at |16, 119,2(J4 

14,094 " Flour, at G dollars, 89,oG4 

14,000 bushels of Oats, at 50 cents, 7,00(t 

10,000 " Corn, at 1 dollar, 10,000 

223,(588 
*)The difficulty abcTve alluded to has been iuiiieablv settled, and the woi'ks arc 
iiow progressing. ^ 



OF WlSCONS:^I\. 67 

For (lie Upper ^lississijypi and Black Ricers. 

2,100 bbls. .jfPork, at 16 dolIar.s * 33,600 

4,200 " Flour, at 6 dollars, 25,200 

2,000 bushels Corn, at one dollar, 2,000 

4,000 •■ Oats, at fifty cents 2,000 



62,800 



Groceries and otlior necessaries, includiiii!; <roods tor Indian 



o c^ 



Annuities, 2,000,000 



,^2,286,488 
Ustiinalcii Ainnitn' juiiti vat bu Ihc General Gorcrnment. 

Indian Annuities, 208,000 

For Territorial Goverunient, 30,000 

For support of Troops, 400,000 

No. of Steamboats in trade in 1851, 7 

" Arrivals and departures 246 

Amount of passages, !»0,225 
No. of tons freight carried, 30,90;) 

Amount paid for freight, at $6 per ton, from Galena 258.500 

Freight 4,500 head of stock, shipped up, 2,700 



Total amount of receipts from steamboats, 451,425 

I only intented to give the lumber trade of this district, as belong- 
ing legitimately to this chapter, but the section of country beiu'i- remote 
and somewhat detached, it occurred to me that the exports and imports 
and the amount paid out by the Gevernment, exhibited in one sheet 
would prove acceptable to some persons desirous to know the amount of 
money in circulation in the district. 

The lumber trade of the Two Ivivers must be considerable, when at 
a very early season 55,500 logs have been got out, ready to float down 
the river. When sawed, these will make 19 million feet of lumber, 
shingle, and cedar posts, to an enormous amount, have been bouo-ht for 
the Chicago market, which has to depend entirely on otlier states for its 
supply of lumber. 

It is said that the trade of the pinery on Wisconsin River, above 
Plover, is worth five hundred thousand dollars annually. The New York 
Journal of Commerce says, that — "Large quantities of timber, consist- 
ing of oak knees, plank, &c., now lie in our ship-yards, and are beinf 
worked up into elegant ships, after having performed a journey of over 
one -thousand miles, from Wisconsin " 

The manufacture of staves to an enormous amount, is carried on in 
Wisconsin, especially along the lake Michigan shore, in JManitowoc 



Shcbojgan and Washitigton counties, which su|)j)ly Milwruikce and other 
towns in the state. — Bat the principal market is Cliii'ago, whei-e n vi-.st 
number of flour and pork barrels ore made. 

Tlie lurabei' trade of TMilwaukee lias been less in 1852 than the pro- 
ceeding year. Tiie following are the total receipts for the season of iNo'J : 

Lumber, feet. I2,C4!>,42(; 

Laths, UoG^.OOil 

Shingles, C.S-JO.nOd 

• In the northern part of what is known as tiu; 3Ienonionee district, arc 
large and extensive pineries, extending for miles beyond the head waters 
of the Wolf Kiver. These extensive pineries will open a liiml»cr trade in a 
few years that will be unparallelled by anything of a similar character m 
the historv >>{' the West. The trees grow to a reniarkalde hoigiit, straight, 
free, and make clear lumber, some of which has been taken to the St. 
Louis market, where it has been pronounced of excellent (luality. Those 
pineries are destined to be an important item in the commerce ot Wiscon- 
sin as soon as an outlet can be made through the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. 
A large rivei', navigable two hnndred miles, extends up to the very lieart 
of the district. The untold wealth of her forests, the availability of her 
water power, and the superior produetitms of her soil must be induce- 
ments for capital and immigration. WMien the means of access to this 
vast reo-ion are open, it cannot remain long unknown. The Fox River ■ 
improvement is the key by which the entire tract is laid open. These 
pineries form a })art of the Menomonee District, lying north of the Fox 
River, equal in extent to the State of Connecticut. It was ceded by 
the Menomonee Indians to the United States Government in 1841. 
Aceordin"- to the articles of that treaty the tribe was to deliver up pos- 
session in July, l852. The impression has gone abroad that the pur- 
chase comprises the poorest and most unproductive jjorlion of Wisconsin. 
Hence immigrants destined for Wisconsin, have invariably shunned it, 
and located themselves, either in the Western part of the State, or in 
Minnesota. The true statement <A' facts in regard to this tract has never 
yet appeared. Instead of being the poorest portion of Wisconsin, it is. 
if not directly the reverse, at least equal, perhaps to the most favored 
part of the State, the soil being exceedingly productive. A gentleman 
speaking of this tract, says : "I have seen as good corn m Waupacca 
County, as in any portion of the State, the yield, according to the re- 
port of some old farmers, being fifty bushels to the acre.'' The face 
of the country frcnn Waupacca to Berlin is rolling and covered with beau- 
tiful oak openings and an o(;casional tract of pine, with numerous lakes 
of the })urest water, alive with fish of the most delicious fiavor. This 
tract is now in tli<' market at ^1,25 per acre, and on it ai-e several iin- 



..I Wli-CONMN. 69 

provemeuts made by the tribe that occupied it, which u-.uhl make a 

purchase in parts of this region desirable. 

Fhh and Lumber trade ofGreen Ban, for the present Season, (1852.) 

y, • u, • 13.500,000 

Shingle Bolts, cords, 1-300 

Locrs, lumber and square timber, feet, 13,050,000 

Oak staves, feet, l>,000,000 

Fish, bbis., ^^^^y 

Ashes, ton, '^^^ 

Steven's Point, in Portage County, is situated on the Wisconsin 
llivc'r, about ninety miles from Portage City. It is the depot for the 
supplies used in the extensive lumbering business of the^rivor on which it 
is located. According to the statement of the Wisconsin Correspondent, 
it contains seven hundred inhabitants, all engaged in the lumbering busi- 
ness. The chief liunbering localities are the P>ig Ball Falls, 40 miles 
north of this river: the Fan Claire Mills, on a stream of that name. 
There are twenty-live mills north of Stevens Point, many of which run 
three and four saws constantly, which, according to the correspondent 
of the Wisconsin, turn out forty million feet of lumber in the season. 
\Vw Bull Falls has a population of five hundred, wlio arc all engaged 
in Uie lumbering trade. A'ast quantities of Shingles are made in this 
region. Large quantities of provisions and dry goods arc consumed in 
this gxtcnsivr district, all of which would be purchased at Milwaukee if 
a communication were once open between the two points. The La Crosse 
railroad will effect a part' of this desirable object. North of Stevens 
Pointisadenscforcst of pine, ill-suited to agriculture, the land being 
too sandv. 



C H A P T K !{ [ \'. 



When water is exijosed to atmospheric, influence, it is converted into 
vapor, whicli, from its levity, ascends. When this vapor is thus sepa- 
rated, the air lioldiiig it in solution, it is invisible, assuming either the 
form of clouds or mists, suspended in the atmosphere; or of rain, dew. 
snow, and liail falling to the ground. It is probable that electricity acts 
a very consideral)!e part in elevating and depressing clouds and mists. 
When repelled by negative electricit}^ the clouds ascend, and when mists 
are attracted by positive electricity they fall to the ground, regaining, in 
their descent, the solid and liquid form, by which, under the influence 
of gravity, they tend continually to a lower level, till the entire tnass 
joins the ocea?i. The rain or snow that falls on the elevated parts of the 
country first forms, in its descent, rivulets, then streams, an(J ultimately 
rivers. The velocity and weight of the water, thus set in motion by the 
actiou of gravity, place at our disposal a power which may be applied to 
give motion to machinery. This application of water in motion is the 
simplest power which an}^ of its conditions places at our co)nmand. 

If all the rain falling on any district, passed to tlie ocean or any 
reservoir, and if its quantity and fall could be ascertained, we could then 
easily determine the amount of mechanical force brought to act, in driv- 
ing machinery of any kind. These data are but imperfectly known, even 
in the oldest country ; and how much less do we know of such data in a 
new country, where the application of science to such matters is scarcely 
thought of. Mr. Lapham has a rain gage, aiul another is kept at the 
Beloit College, under the superintendence of one of the professors : but 
two are too few for so wide a field as Wisconsin. It is to be hoped, 
however, tliat the scientific gentlemen throughout the State, and more 
especially those connected with public institutions of learning, will see 
the ne(!essity of co-operating at diff"erent points, simidtanoously, with 
the view to collect data on whicli might lie founded the solution of many 
philosophicjil problems of a highly interesting and practical character. 



OF WISCONSIN. 71 

The importuiiue of the water power nf this state is of such magnitude, in 
a national and industrial point of view, that I am induced to discuss it, 
not, of course, pretcndinir to })crfeet accuracy, but rather to draw atten- 
tion to the subject, and point oiit in a general way, the circumstances 
affecting it. — The first thing to lead to the proper solution of the prob- 
lem, which I mean to discuss, is the quantity of rain that falls in Wis- 
consin in a year, on an average. As rain gages have not been kept at 
different points of the State, I shall only assume what 1 think from com- 
mon observation cannot differ very much from the truth. Mr. Lapbam, 
of Milwaukee, has kejit an account of the quantity of rain that falls in 
a year in the city, whicli he considers . to bo thirty inches. In Beloit, 
where the quantity that falls is also registered, it appears tliat the quan- 
tit3' which falls there exceeds that which falls at Milwaukee, by more 
tlian twenty-one inches. The mean quantity as derived from the two 
sources, the only reliable ones in the State, may therefore he taken at 
40^ inches. The next thing to be discussed is the quantity of water 
absorbed by the earth and atmosphere. — As no observations liave ever 
been made in Wisconsin to show the amount of eva|)oration and absor])- 
tiou, I must onlv take my data from other countries, where tlie (juantitv 
has been ascertained from a series of experiments long continued, with a 
view to arrive at as accurate results as the nature of the subject would 
admit. Mr. Dobson, of Liverpool, tried experiments there, and found 
that nearly the same quantity of water was evaporated from the snrface 
of water as fell on it, in rain. l)r. Palton, well-known from his high 
scientific attainments, in conjunction with Mr. Hoyer, tried experiments 
in Manchester, in order to ascertain the relative quantities evaporated 
from diffei-ent surfaces, and they found that from the land the evaporation 
was 25.1(5 inches, and from the water, at the same time, 44 inches, the 
rain that fell being 83.56 inches. 

Baron Dupin. of France, Dr. Thonq»son, of Great Britain, Mr. Kair- 
bairn, of Ireland, and others, made numerous observations on the evapo- 
ration of water, and though the circumstances affecting their results wore 
quite different, yet they came to the conclusion tliat about two-thirds of 
all the rain that fell evaporated, the other one-third making its way to 
the ocean. It is an ascertained fact that a greater quantity of rain falls 
here than in Ireland, where the evaporation is taken at two-tliirds of the 
rain that falls on the surface, the other third being the oidy source of 
jwwer to give motion to inaeliinery l)y its gravity and ac([Tiircd velocity. 
— Though the quantit\- of rain that falls in Wisconsin and Ireland is not 
very different, yet the quantity of water evai)oratod may ))e quite un- 
equal, arising from different <'onditions of the atmosphere and different 
qualities of the soil. In tlie absence of any direct observations on this 
-subject in Wisconsin. I must oidy assume that which I consider to be 



72 InDI STItl.VI, KksOI KCKS 

nearest the truth, without pioteiiding to perfect accuracy. — In coTiSe- 
quence of the cloudy sky of Ireland as compared with the bright sky of 
AVisconsin, a less quantity evaporates there than here. Of o() inches 
that tall in Ireland, --i inches evapor;itr, and I'J are employed a.s a 
power. In Wi.'icon.sin 40.^ inches of rain fall, and it is not too much to- 
suppo.se that '2^1 inclii's evaporate, leaving 12 inches to drive machinery. 
Now as the force of water is proportional to the height through which it 
falls, it is evident that the entln; (j[uantitv of water, as well as the height 
through which it falls, must enter as an essential element into the solu- 
tion of the prolilen: under discussion. The government report makes the 
number of s((uare miles in Wisconsin ');!,'.)"24, wliich being reduced to 
square yards, gives l(i7.9;J4,'.ts2,4(lO. All the rain that falls on the en- 
tire surface of Wisconsin in one year, amounts to this number of yards, 
40J inches high, out only 177,Uo4,9S2.400 sifuan; yards 12 inches high 
are employed to proiluce niecduuiical motion : therefore, the entire i|uan- 
tity of water to generate power is "»,"), (578, •!2T,4(JG-2-o cubic vards. The 
next thing to be ascertained is tiie average fall through which, the quan- 
titv passes. In Trebmd this could be ascertained to as great a degree of 
accuracy as need })e required : as in connection with the survey of the 
country, the altitudes of all the rivev courses, duiding ridges, &c., were 
taken, by which the catchment basins of all the country nuiy Ijc seen, 
almost at a single gbnce, and the average height, not only of each catcli- 
mcnt, but of the whole Island, may be calculated. But in a new country 
like Wisconsin, it could not lie expected that the limited time and 
labor bestowed on such matters, (•ould place at our disposal such faet.^ 
in sufficient anujiint or detail as would be desirable, to lead to such re- 
sults as could be depended on. Lu our [iresent position we must only 
employ all the materials we can collect, and make the best u.se of thenn 
we are able, by which a step i". made in the right direction, and some- 
thing more left for our successors who ari; to push the subject still farther. 
'^) Dr. Owen and his associates to(d< levels from tlie mouth of the Chippewai 
to the mouth of Bad river ; from the outlet of Lake St. Croix to the 
mouth of Bois Brule river; and fVum the Mississippi, at 8t. J*aul, to the 
trading houso on St. Louis nver, 1 >> miles above Fond du Lac. Mr. 



*) The numerous levels whifh linvoM)een t.-iken tI:.rou»li the S^tate fur Phmk 
Hoiul and other purposes, would att'ord good dat i for the solution of this problem. 
A»;an e(pial ijuaiitity of watyr does ii"t fall ill the diftiU-eiit lociilities of "the State,, 
two rain f^ages at su<;h a distani-e ajtait are entirely too tew, to warrant .'niything 
approaching an e\aet solution of the problem liere under discussion The number of;' 
levels which 1 have been able to obtain, are also too few to enable nic to arrive at 
true resul's ; but when sullieient data can have been obtained on these two points, 
namely, the (juantity of water that falls in the state in a given time, on an average, 
:tnd tlie true levels oF all its catchment basins, the method employed above may be 
depended on as a guide, to le e! to true results <'n these two siih)ects. see Greaory's 
oourse of Engeiieering. 



OK Wisconsin. 73 

Lapham has kiiidlj plat-ed in my hands, levels takeji from Rock river, 
near Beloit, to the head of the Wolf river ; alho levels frem Milwaukee 
to the discharging point of the Wisconsin river, at the Mississippi. With 
these limited materials, and assisted by the map of Wisconsin, I have 
endeavored to find an average elevation of the entire State, over lakes 
Michigan and Superior, and also over the Mississippi river, these being 
the recipients of all the water that falls on the .surface of the State, em- 
ployed to generate power. This altitude or elevation. I consider to be 
about o,')0 feet. The problem now under discussion has narrowed itself 
to the finding of the power generated by 55,678,327,46(1 'l-o cubic yards, 
falling through tlic hight of 350 feet, in 365 days, or, li)5, 933 cubic yards 
in one minute. A cubic foot of water weigh (J2iV lbs and a cubic yard 
16875 lbs. ; therefore the weight of all the water that falls in one minute 
through 350 feet, is 178,761,937 lbs The horse-powc^r, therefore, is 
equal 17>-,701,937x350.' 44.000, which gives 1,421,909 horse power for 
tlio entire State, and which exceeds the water-power of Irelaml, so cele- 
l)rated for tliat, as well as for numerous otiicr natural advantages. \V'here 
it is an object t(» economise i)ower, tlic water is not allowed to escape 
during the idle hours ; therefore, if we only take three hundred working 
days of twelve hour.* each, instead of three hundred and sixty-five of 
twenty-four hours each, the water-])Owcr of Wisconsin will be 3,460,124, 
distributed over the entire State. Now if we knew the structure of the 
country and the aer;i of all the catchment basins, wc could assign to each- 
district, geographically the portion of this power belonging to it, but with 
our present knowledge of the contour of the surface of the country, we- 
can only approximate the truth The dividing ridge separating the tri- 
liutaries of L;iJvo Michigan and the Mississippi river, gives to the lattcr 
about three fourths of the water, that falls on the entire surface of Wis- 
con.sin, and to the Lake about one fourth ; very little, comparatively, 
falling into Lake Superior. The water falling into Lake Michigan is. 
principally contributed by the Fox and Wulf rivers, which pass through. 
Lake Winnebago, and ultimately into Lake Michigan, by (ireen Bay. 
The water of Winnebago Lake in its passagt; towards Grrecn Bay, aftbrd.s- 
considerable ])ower at different points along its course, the most consider- 
able, and surely the best circumstanced, being at the rising towns of Nee 
nah and Menasha, situated at opposite sides of Doty Island. When enga- 
ged in laying out the canal and other improvements at Grand Rapids, I 
measured the water-power tlu're, and found it to amount to over three 
hundred lK)rse power, and the amount of power at Menasha is not much 
less. The other principal outlet is at 3Iilwaukee, where a river of that 
name and the Menomonee enter Lake Michigan together. Sheboygan, 
Twin Rivers, Racine, Manitowoc, and others of little note, are also con- 
tributors to Lake Mii-higan. There arc numerous streams from the west 



74 iNDUSTsra.vL ili:ounci:.- 

sidc of the dividing ridge, running towards tho Mississippi, the principal 
being the Wisconsin and Hock Hirers. The drainage of many districts 
for agricultural purposes, and tlie maintainance of navigation, m;iy be ad- 
verse to the perfect economy of power. Knmerous places liaving plenty 
of water may, notwithstanding possess very little available power, the fall 
not being suited to mechanical purposes. In the best circumstanced situ- 
ations, there is a loss of power in working every description of machines, 
l)y means of water, amounting, generalh', to a third : but withal, we 
possess an abundance of water power to develop the manufacturing re- 
sources of our State on the very largest scale. In contrasting the ex- 
pense of Avater power with that of steam, tlie former has much the advan- 
'tagc, being vastly cheaper than steam at the very mouth of the coal-pit. 
This is practically illustrated on a large scale, on the ShaAve's Waterworks 
iu Scotland, where each horse-power, by water, "costs upon the whole £5 
5s 5d being £.30 13s 7d less than tlie cost of one horse power by steam, at 
Olasgow." 

In discussing the eomparitive cost of water and steam power, Sir 
Robert Kane writing on this subject says: — ,,Thus whether we take Mr. 
Bateman's value which is for the bare supply of power, or Mr. Thorn's 
value, which includes the delivery of the power in a working form, we 
see that the cost of the water-power is not more than one-tenth of the 
cost of steam." In this statement Sir Robert has reference to Shawe's 
water at Grrcenock, in Scotland, which was collected from the surrounding 
country at a vast espence l)y which its cost as a power must have been 
considerably increased on the manufacturers as compared with the power 
derived from a natural stream of running water, which cost nothing. 
Possessed of an amount of water sufficient to drive any quantity of ma- 
<-hinery, and that distributed through every part of the state : and pos 
sessed also of an immense quantity of wood, as an source of heat, the 
bscnce of coal will not be very seriously felt for many years to come, in 
some localities, at least and more espicially when our navigable rivers 
and lakes render the articles accessible, should its use at any time become 
indispensible. Though almost all tlie rivers and streams distribute me- 
chanical power to most parts of the State, yet there are localisties without 
any, where the demand of certain articles af manufacture may render 
power of some sort necessary. Iti such locations steam is indispensable. 
It is sometimes supposed that a water-wheel cannot produce such a 
smooth and equal motion as to act with as full effect as a steam engine. 
This is a mistake, as I shall show by transcribing an article on this sub- 
ject, by Scott Russel, inserted in the Encyclopedia Britanica : "Mr. 
Lucy had constructed at Brimingham a Hour mill driven by steam, and it 
has been his object to obtain perfection without any limitation of expense. 
lie had jrot one of Bolton and Watt's steam engines, and vet he found 



OF WlSCON.^lN. ' T5 

that hi -J, mill neither produet'd snch perfect flour, -.mr moved so smoothly 
as mills driven by water. On the contrary, it Avas found that the irregularity 
of the motion neither produced such perfect flour, nor moved as smoothly 
as mills driven Ly water. Ou the contrary it was found that the irregu- 
larity of the motion produced a larger quantity of coarse than offiue flour, 
at a mercantile loss to the owner ; and it was likewise found that the 
irregular propulsion n tergo intervening with the uniform motion, 
towards wliich the millstones tended to their own momentuni, produced 
a clanging reciprocation along the whole line of toothed gearing, which 
was most injurious, and rapidly destructive to the toothed wheels. When 
we visited the spot in 1838, the ruins of former wheels, most unequally 
worn and totally destroyed, were strewed about the yard. The usual 
plan of increasing the weight of the fly-wlieel was resorted to without 
success : and Mr. Lucy applied to Mr, Buckle to propose a remedy for 
the evil. This remedy Mr. Buckle found in the very simple contrivance 
of a pneumatic pump. 80 perfect was the action of the mechanism that 
the fly-wheel had been wholly removed, and the engine and the whole 
mill-work were moving in the most smooth and effective manner. It was 
found that the change enabled them to give all the grinding stones a 
greater velocity than formerly, so that the quantity ground was greater 
in the proportion of 52 to 06, and the quantity of the tinest, or first flour 
from the same wheat, was likewise much increased : so that both by 
quantity and quality, the owner of that mill was enabled to command 
the market. The same motion has subsequently been applied to cotton 
mills with perfect success, the quantity and quality of yarn produced 
being much improved." From what I know myself of the application of 
water and steam power to the coarsest as well as to the most delicate 
description of work, the former, in every case, is not only found to be 
much cheaper, but much more delicate and exact in its movements than 
the latter For both these reasons in England, where coal is so chea}* 
and abundant, water power is invariably used wherever it is at all avail- 
able. - Where water is scarce its economy is secured by the construction 
of reservoirs, which, during wet whoather, store up S])ared power to be 
used in dry wheatlier, where there is an insufticieney of supply. Another 
mode of maintaining an adequate power,- when a deficiency of water is 
found to exist, is to make up the deficiency by adding a steam engine, 
which can at all times be worked with the water-wheel, — This mode of 
jnaintaiaing any required quantity of jiower is resorted to in many places 
deficient in the supply of water. Two steam-engines of one hundred 
horse power, and two overshot wheels may be seen working together 
:at the great cotton fjxctory in Portlaw, in Trela'id. In such cases a small 
Amount of steam power is required to compensate for the deficiency iu 
the supply of water, while no assistance at nil is required from the engine. 



HO long ;i^ the Miji[)l> oi water is, of itsolf isuflk-K'ut. Witliuiit ilio co- 
"jicnitivc assistance of steam in places siinilaily circumstanced as Portlaw, 
the water slioukl run waste when it became insufficient, or the work should 
Ke suspended till a sufficient su|»ply -A water was procured ; but liy the 
application of steam in conjunction with water, the full economical value 
of the latter is retained, wtiile the steam-entriiie may rest altogether when 
the water is, of itself, sufficient to perform the duty. Ireland is sujtposed 
to possess a greater ai)u)unl of available of water power than most countries 
of equal extent, partly on account of tlie moisture of the climate and the 
inecjualities of tiie surface, which give rise to numerous springs that 
traverse the cituntry in every direction. The country is iikewis,; studded 
with high mountains and peaks, which give the rivers and streams a con- 
sideral)le fall, which favors the employment of water wheels to conuuu- 
nicate motion to mill inachincMT- This will appear from a cmnparison 
of the average heiglit of Ireland, which is "J^Tfeet, with that of \Viscdnsin, 
wliicli I estimated at :;5n. The area of NVisconsin being ov(;r once and 
a Iralf that id" Frehind, the available fall to gcnei-atc power is more 
gradual in thnt. and riierefore less favoralde t:. turn water-wheels than 
in Ireland. This dis:idvantage ad'led to the sniiiU average iieight, as 
onipjred with Ireland, rells somewhat against the industrial effect (tf the 
water power of '.Visconsin. To compensate for this disadvantage, how- 
ever, we use ill Wisconsin a description of water-wheel, which is entirely 
unknown in Ireland, except as an object of mechanical science. This is 
the reaction wheel, wdiich works under a two foot head of water. ThLs 
property renders the re-action M'heel lit tVn* streams having very mode- 
rate falls The trifling cost of this wheel adapts it to the pockets of 
most new" ciimers, to wdiom even a small saving is a matter o{ some con- 
sider,. timi In Great Britain and Ireland the wheels employed to com- 
municate motion are the overshot wheel, the breast Vvheel, and the under- 
shot wheel. Their usual effects are in the order in which they are written. 
The overshot wheel when well constructed, gives a working effect of &} 
per cent : and in general, its useful effect is not under 7;") per cent. 
Wherevei- there is an available! fall the overshot wheel should nnaria- 
bl}'' be preferred. Practical men recommend the use of this in every 
case wlicre the locality aff'ords the fall varying from iifteen to fifty feet. 
In sluggish streams affording much water, but little fall, the undershot 
wheel is adopted, by which a loss ni' pov.-er is sustained equal to two- 
thirds of the M'ater exjfended. the available useful effect benig oidy one^ 
third of the (piantity expemb'd. i^'roni the great (juantity of j)ower lost, 
this wheel should lu'ver lie usedifanv nthcr could be exj)loyed. Its 
use is limited in Europt> to streams luiving a fall from two to six feet. — 
Streams having a fall fnnn si.\ to fifteen feet are adapted to the breast 
wheel, wdii'di a'ives a usefnl working effect of abruit fiftv-hvo |)er-(tent of 



\\'l<(ONSl N. 



the water ex,,o,.ae.l. Ou the e.mtineut ot Eun.j.e, esi^eeialb^ la Bavun:.. 

a .ater-proJuvo online is often u.e.l in localities havu,. a iul exeeochng 

fifty i\J. Its uorkin^ eiWl is s-nnewhat similnr f, that et_ the overshot 

wheel. Where the tall is so great as to render it untit i.>r any . the 

wheels already mcntiane.L the water-pressur.engineis ava.Iable. Barkers 

null, winch aHs on the principle of re-action, eonununiat.s motu.u w, h 

eonsiderahle advantage, where the tall i, considerable and the qnau .tv 

.r water limited. Its useful effect is between one-half and_ ono-rh.rd <d 

the water expended. The last I shall mention is tl>e reaction wheel, so 

.enorallv used in this country. U. use is lorced into pnictice by neces- 

^ty which i,.dee.l often gives rise to nunnn-ous inrentious_ peculiarly 

aa;pted to existing eircumstances It may be adopted ut tts mod.hed 

torms to situations'Muito unsuited to the overshot wheel, wlule Usn.ay be 

substituted for the undershot wheel with mud, advantage _ lh,s wheel 

,ivcs from sixtv ro seventy per cent of uscfnl effeet. and besule it ada,. 

Vation to extreme cases, its lirst cost is eou.parat^ely Intt a tnfle A 

.vheel capable to move one run of stones costs nbou^ lourhund.e.1 dolla,. 

while a reaction wheel o,dy costs thirty dollars. One run of so.es wtll 

n-ind twenty bushels in one hour, making two hunured revolutions m 

^ne minute In America the stones are comparitively of small duuneU^r, 

;;;:; Zr execution is great, owing to the quick veh>c.ty with which tbev 

„,ove Havino- paid n.uch attention to those practical sciences, bearing 

.„th;subicct;/machinery, I should willingly devote more time to he 

aLussion if water wheels, were it not inconsistent w.th the intend d 

H„,its of the work, and with Its intended purposes. As 1 am upon h 

^, ect, it may not, however, be considered out of place to mention that 

^t mi.ht iLollected in many localities, at a very trifling cos , su!- 

dlt tc;;irive a large amount of machinery and supply towns and cit.es 

V .,„.,-v , mwiititv c.f water camibk- ot pvoduenig JHMl 

l,„,.se,30we,-. besides su,,plyi.,g tl.o t.,»., w.t!, plenty ot «ate,. Alt tU- 

cinplisl,e,l by ,„akh,g .. avtifieial lake or teservof e„,„n,a..tag t .• 

,,„„.„ ,„t , wbieh ti,e vaitt-water of a large traet „. e,,„ntvy ..atm-ally e 1- 

",e 1 Ma,>y tow,,, are .o ci,-e„,.sta„ee,l as to take a.ka„tago „f the 

p,.„, :,.l„|„e,l by Mr Tho,„, .. Gree„oel:. ,v,th„„. tocurnng ,„u..h 

"'' WI,e„eatehn,enteo,.Wbefor,„c,l to ,.o,H„,a„a a ,o>v„ or eity, a„,l 
s„„,,ly it \vHh plenty o, „ate,-, it should invariably be done ,„ pre erenee 
,„' e orting U, the expensive ,node of supply.ng >t by nteans « s.ean 
e„«„es whiel, re.pire fnel and attendance- ,«., e.penstve ,ten,s, to winch 
.ni^ht be added the expense of wear and far ..f „,a, h,ne,y. 



OHArTEl^ Y. 



Althou"'!! I am very far from undervaluing the great facilities afforded 
by Wisconsin to prosecute the varioiis branches of manufacturing indus- 
try • yet, circumstanced as the eounti-y is at present, her population 
must derive its chief support from agricultural pursuits for many years to 
<iome. The country is yet too young, and the population too thin to 
carry on any branch of manufacture on a scale sufficiently, large to be 
remiinerative ; therefore, a departure from the legitimate business of 
new settlers, who, for the most part, were farmers in the old country, 
would be unsafe and unwise. I would not like, however, it should be sup- 
posed tbat I am unfavorable to the introduction of such branches of 
mechanical industry as may suit the wants of the State, should its present 
condition enable it to do so. But I apprehend that, at present, the 
'fcneral mass of the people had better turn their attention to the improve- 
ment of the soil, from which, for many years to come, they are to derive 
their principal support. I should like, however, to see the necessary 
branches of mechanical industry keep pace with the growing wealth of 
the country, and also with the consequent d(>niand for articles of taste and 
luxury as well as of usefulness. There is nothing in the one occupation 
that is incompatible with the success of the other. The farn.er cultivates 
his crops to the best advantage where the industrial arts are in a flourish- 
ing condition, and every description of trade prospers just in proportion 
to the improving condition of 'the surrounding agricultural population. 
With us the primary elements of prosperity are in the soil, and only 
require the strong arm of labor and agricultural skill to lender them 
productive. Agriculture is the source of that bountiful stream, which, 
iu its course, nourishes every department through which it flows. It is 
the very life-blood of the human race. With it every new country must 
commence ; without it, no new country can prosper. The importance 
of the subject in all its bearings demands more than a passing notice : 
and though it would bo inconsistent with the intended limits of this work, 
as well as the general plan I had iu view, to enter u{)on a regular discus- 



0|- Wlr-CONHIX. 7-) 

sion relative to the various mudes employed in the pvactice of agneulturo, 
yet I feel constraiued to point out some glaring defects in the mode adop- 
ted by most of the Wisconsin farmers, and throw out a few iiints calcu- 
ted to lead to a more improved system, not oiil}^ as regards the culti- 
vation of the soil, but also as regards the general economy that ought 
to guide them in all their financial arrangements. It is said by a modern 
writer of eminence that -'If agriculture is ever to be brought to that 
comparative state of perl'ection to which other arts have already- attained, 
it will only be by availing itself, as they have done, of the very many aids 
which science offers to it." Though this is a truth which scarcely any 
one will deny, yet how very few, even in a whole state, ever think of 
calling in the aid of that unerring guide in the management of their 
farms. —How few even think of acquiring a knowledge of even the bare 
elemonts of those sciences so essential to the economical and successful 
working of the farm, much less of serving an apprenticeship, though it 
is the invariable practice to do so in other arts or trades, not near so, 
difficult to learn. The tailor, the hatter, and the shoemaker serve so 
long apprenticeship to acquire a knowledge of their respective trades ; 
but no one ever thinks scarcely of serving a single week to a branch 
which requires a high degree of practical aod scientific knowledge. 
Thij ought not to be so. It might appear strange that a branch of 
human industry, coeval with his race, and upon which the very existence 
of the human family may be said, at all times to depend, should not 
have been brought to its ne plus ultra of perfection many ages before 
this. In all ages since the creation, man has been incessantly employed in 
tilling the ground, with a view to raise from it the necessary food for 
his support ; and in proportion to the increase of population, and con- 
sequently scarcity of land, it became his duty to raise, from a given 
extent, the greatest quantity of useful produce, without jjermanent in- 
jury to the soil, and with the least expenditure of labor and cost. In 
some of the nations of antiquity, a scarcity of the necessaries of life was 
often experienced, arising from various causes, which, of course, imposed 
on them the ncessity of increased exertion both of skill and labor, as 
regarded agriculture. It has, however, been reserved formodern science 
to effect an improvement in that art, which our fathers could not have 
contemplated. They have transmitted to us their practical experience, 
to which, wc have added the numerous facts collected from the sciences 
of Geology and Ciiemistry, which are comparatively of moderndate. Our fore 
fathers, no doubt, from repeated trials, were aware of man}' of tiie obvious 
qualities of the soil, favorable or unfavorable to vegetation; but were totally 
unacquainted with numerous others which lie dormant until awakened into 
activity by the application of proper stimulants, pointed out by science. 
The science of (Jeology facilitates the labors of the agriculturist, by poin- 



80 I.VDl^TltlAI, Ek.-^OL ItCKS 

ting out tlic origin of soils, the causes ( f tlioii- diversity, tlifir gcneia 
character, the benefit or injury resulting from their admixture, the 
changes which arc constantly taking jjlaoe 'on the surface of t lie earth, 
arising from mechanical and chemical causes, and a vast (juantity of otliei- 
information, which, hut that scicnee alone can imjiart. Tlie .science of 
chemistry enables him to ascertain the element of which all organized 
substances are composed, the dilferent propcirtions in which these elements 
enter into the composition of each particular substance, to analyze the 
various s ills, with a view to ascertain the (juantity of suitable food afforded 
by each for the nourishment of plants, and supply the deficiency, if found 
to exist, by the application of proper manures in adequate ((uantities. 
By the aid afforded by the sciences of (ieology and Chemistry, the scientific 
farmer is conducted to results which he never could have arrived at by 
any other means ; and the perfection of his art, which is still in great 
want of further improvenuMit, is only attainable by combining with prac- 
tical experience the assistance afforded by science. It could not be 
expected that every farmer could be a geologist and chemist, but the 
outlines of these sciences ought, doubtless, to form a part of the system 
of education adopted in all our high and common schools, by Avhich a 
taste would soon be formed among enlightened farmers, the advantage 
of which would at once be felt and appreciated. It would, for instance, 
require but a short time and a small amount of intellectual exertion, to 
learn tlie names of the common I'ocks of the country, which, so far as the 
farmer is concerned, are very few in number. lie might be told that the 
loose soil, which, in general forms the surface of the glol)e, has been 
derived from those rocks : and tliat the soil is fruitful or sterile according 
to the rocks from which it had its origin. The intelligent farmer could 
soon learn the general outline of this science, by which he could see its 
direct bearing on practical agriculture. For instance, he would find it 
useful to know the constancy in the relative position and character of the 
stratified rocks, the general character of the soil upon them. He would 
likewise find it useful to knew the quality of soil derived from the un- 
stratified rocks, such as the granites and trap rocks; also the physical 
character of the transported sands, gravels, and clays ; and the relation 
between the nature of the soil and the kind of plarits that naturally grow 
upon it. The effect of temperature on the growth of plants is a fact 
with which the practical farmer ought to be ac(]uaiiited. Altitude, 
climate, and other local circumstances exercise an influence affecting the 
vegetation of every country, which is perliajis more obvious to the senses 
than any other cause, and which ought to form an item of tlie practical 
farmer's knowledge. 

The cliemical constitution of the soil and growing crops is a subject 
that iiKiv rrquirc a man's life time to h^irn : but a great deal nf what 



or WiscoysiN. 81 

would prove tiglily useful, in after life, may be learned at school or col- 
lege, in a few months. The agriculturist ought to know that the growing 
crops and the soil in which they grow are composed of certain organic 
or inorganic substances ; that the substances which contribute to the 
growth, nourishment, and support of his crops, are derived from the soil 
and atmosphere . that different plants take in these substances in different 
proportions, and are supplied by different soils in different proportions. 
And, although every farmer could not be expected to be able to make 
a chemical analysis of every soil and every crop, in order to ascertain the 
exact proportion in which the different substances enter into the compo- 
sition of each plant, and the quantity present in each soil ; yet by learn- 
ing a little of the outlines of the science, he will be enabled to perform 
many experiments, at an expense of a few cents, which could not fail of 
proving useful and interesting. Knowing when acids or alkalies are in 
the soil in too great abundance, the scientific agriculturist will, at once, 
know the proper remedy to be applied in order to neutralize the injurious 
effect of the prevailing substances. Knowing, also, that the soil is defi- 
cient in some of those substances that are required to feed his plants, he 
will supply the deficiency by the addition of proper manures in sufficient 
quantities. By founding his practice on this principle, he will be the 
legs liable to fail in any new experiment he may make to increase the 
produce of his land; he will also be more likely to succeed under varied 
circumstances, as regards soil and climate. 

A farmer may be very successful in one locality, from long acquain- 
tance with the habits of the soil and climate, and be totolly at a loss how 
to proceed when both arc different. Indeed, similar soils in two different 
climates may require different treatment ; and he who is guided by prin- 
ciple will feel no hesitation to alter his mode of treatment according as 
the circumstances of the case may require ; while the person whosa guide 
is habit, cannot see why he should adopt a different mode of treatment 
from that which he always found to answer. This person, who may be 
termed a local agriculturist, will doubtless be disappointed, while that 
man whose practice is founded on principle, combined with experience, 
will succeed ; being what may be termed an universal agriculturist. 
He who knows a little of the geological structure of the crust of the 
globe, a,nd of the chemical constitution of the different soils, will not find 
much difficulty in forming a correct judgment of the capabilities of any 
particular soil from its external character, and from the plants it natu- 
rally produces. Would it not be well therefore, to afford the rising gene- 
ration an opportunity of acquiring a knowledge of such importance to the 
State, by either establishing agricultural schools, or making^agriculture 
a component part of the system of instruction adopted in all our common 
schools and colleges throughout the State ? 



S2 iNDusTiiiAii Resources 

I hail, with mucli pleasure, the organization of agricultural societies 
ill many parts of our State, which cannot fail to arouse public attention 
to a department of our resources, on which mainly depends the future 
prosperity of our infant country ; which, from its situation, soil an^ 
climate, contains all the elements of future greatness, if hut properly 
developed. I aut glad to find that an appropriation of $3,000 has been 
recently made by the legislature to aid the agricultural societies. 

The absence of extensive swamps, spreading their deadly influence 
far and wide, and the proximity of our ocean lakes, moderating our 
climate, and preventing those extremes of heat and cold, which act not so 
injuriously on animal and vegetable life in other places, arc blessings 
which we do not duly apprcciato. The peculiar contour of the surface, 
rfivint"- facility of drainage to every district, while its undulating character 
gives rise to numerous springs that send forth, in every direction, stream- 
lets, through the channels of which flows the very life-blood of agriculture. 
And the union of two or more of these streamlets, by the unevenncss of 
the surface, creating sufficient power to drive the machinery used to con- 
vert the produce of the soil into food for man and beast, arc circumstances 
highly favorable to th- agriculturist. 

With all the advantages pointed out in theprecideng pages, Wiscon- 
sin farmers have no reason to complain of the want of an easy expeditious 
and cheap mode of transmitting the produce of their farms to a good mar- 
ket. Witli all these advantages, and with a hardy, industrious and active 
populatio)!, the State of Wisconsin ma}^ look forward with confidence to 
be able to compete with the most favored State of the Union. 2sature has 
done her pait, by giving us a soil of unsurpassed fertility, with a surface 
of endless variety, rivers and lakes of crystal purity, and a sky free from 
hazy foo-s and drizzling mists, and it only remains fi)r us to convert all 
these natural advantages to some useful purpose. 

At present, this State derives her principal resources from the soil, 
and, as I have stated before, must continue to do so for some years to 
come. It is, therefore, the duty of all, to contribute, in one way or other, 
to the improvement of that art, trade, or business, from the exercise of 
which we derive our chief suj)port. And it is a strange fact, that, though 
agriculture must have been the first business in which men were engaged, 
and therefore the oldest trade, nevertheless few trades- are less under- 
stood. For thousands of years, the same invariable jiractieo was pursued 
in the old country, as regarded the raising of stock and the cultivation of 
various crops — the son never daring to deviate from tlio practice of the 
father in such matters. Ignorant of those sciences that bear directly 
upon animal and vegetable physiology, the farmer could make no advance 
towards an improved system. And if he happened to hit upon an improved 



OF Wisconsin. 83 

mode of management, it was the result of chance, not of scientific investi- 
gation. 

It is not so at present in many parts of the state. Griiided by the 
sciences of chemistry and geology, wo can try more experiments, loading 
to useful results, in a few hours, than our fore-fathors, unaided by such * 
lights, could effect iti as many centuries, Encouraged by the certainty of 
success, under the guidance of science, men of education in every part of 
Europe and America turned their attention, sometime since, to i^^he im- 
jjrovement of agriculture. Men of wealth and influence soon formed them- 
selves into societies to encourage the successful espcriraeutalists b}^ the 
bestowal of honorary and pecuniary rewards ; and thus instructed and en- 
couraged, the former no longer treads in the footsteps of his father, but 
following the advice and example of enlightened practical men, he adopts 
a system which amply rewards him by an increased amount of produce 
quite unattainable under the old system of management. 

I am happy to see the State of Wisconsin following the laudable ex- 
ample set her by her older sister States. The agricultural societies already 
formed, and those in prog.iess of formation in many parts of the State, 
must be productive of much good 

The show fairs for the exhibition of improved breeds of stock and 
implements of husbandry; of different specimens of plants, fruits and 
flowers ; of works of art and of agricultural produce of every kind, cannot 
fail to excite a spirit of rivalry, which must necessarily tend to the gen- 
eral good of all. Any suggestion having fur its object the improvement 
of agriculture, should be extensively circulated; and the medium through, 
which useful knowledge is communicated ought to b.^ encouraged by all 
whom it may concern. He who suggests a plan by which "two blades 
of grass may be grown, where only one had been raised before, is a useful 
benefactor;" and he who communicates information to the public is no 
less useful. Hence it appears that an agricultural publication in one or 
two parts of the State, to give publicity to the proceedings and reports of 
societies and individuals relative to agricultural improvements, ought to 
receive public support. 

In this age of progress, we must keep pace v^'ith our neighbors, if 
we wish to take advantage of those natural resources so abundautly'placed 
before us in every part of the State. If vre neglect this duty, we shall 
be left far behind. Having expressed my opinion that Wisconsin must 
chiefly depend on her agricultural resources, for many years to come ; 
therefore it becomes the duty of every farmer to pay due attention to the 
cultivation of those crops that pay best, and are least liable to injury 
from the effect of climate or other existing causes. Ho is also bound to 
try other branches of farming, when they promise a larger and more cer- 
tain return for the outlay of capital and labor bestowed on them. For 



84 Tndustiual Hksoukcks 

the last two or three successive years, we liave suffered eunsulerably, from 
the failure of the wheat crop, which has crip])lecl the fanners considerably, 
but the abundant harvest of the present year (lS58) and the usually 
high prices of produce of every description, have revived tlioir drooping 
spirits and placed them in comparatively affluent circumstances, which is 
visible by the number of shanties which are being replaced by comfortable 
and sightly frame dwellings in every part of the State. Siiould we be 
blessed next year with such another harvest as that which has passed, our 
farmers and the State in general will occupy an enviable position among 
the States of the Union. 

Having stated, more than once, that the future prosperity of the 
State depends, in a great measure, on the attention paid to improved modes 
of husbandry, which consists chiefly in deep ploughing, thourough drain- 
ing, and due attention to cleaning, manuring, and providing good seed, 
a few hints upon these subjects may not be considered out of place. The 
following facts in relation to the habits of plants, will show the necessity 
of deep ploughing or digging. 

It is a fact not generally known that plants, in general, send tlieir 
roots to a greater depth than is generally noticed, when not obstructed 
by some hard or impenetrable substance. Turnips are known sometimes 
to send their fibres to a depth exceeding two feet, while they extend 
themselves in a lateral direction upwards of four feet from the bulb. 
Wheat, oats and grass-seed send forth some of their roots to a depth of 
more than twenty or thirty inches ; bean and clover roots penetrate tha 
soil to the depth of tree feet ; and flax, two feet and a half. A gentle- 
man, who devoted much of his time to agricultural pursuits, told me that 
he traced bean and flax roots to the depth of forty-two inches, , 

I state these facts to show the necessity of working the soil to a cou- 
giderable depth for the reception of what are termed surface roots. 
Though it forms no part of my plan to enter into detailed description, 
either of actual methods now adopted in the agricultural operations of 
Wisconsin, or the propositions now under discussion for the general im- 
provement of that great branch of human industry, yet the time will not 
be snent uselessly, which I mean to devote to a department that seems 
to have been overlooked in this state. 

Thorough draining, so far as my observations go, has never received 
any share of attention in Wisconsin ; neither have I seen any attention 
paid to subsoil ploughing, manuring, or weeding. The high rate of wa- 
f'es and the low price of land in this State, induce farmers, in general, to 
till extensively rather than well ; but the farmer desirous of reaping a 
plentiful harvest must, in the place, be particularly careful to retain no 
more water in the soil than is essential to vegetation ; a greater quantity 
being invariably injurious. 



OF Wisconsin. 85 

His land being dry, liis next care should be to enrich it with manure, 
without which an abundant crop cannot be expected where the soil is, 
in any degree, exhausted from previous cropping. 

Draining and deep ploughing being attended to, the next duty that 
devolves on the farmer is, to keep his land clean. These principles must 
be always kept in view. Any of them being neglected proves injurious. 
Manure is thrown away, to no purpose, on land (especially in cold 
climates) containing an excess of water, which never fails to .diminish the 
fertility of the soil, and encourage the growth of coarse grasses and use 
les weeds. This is so well understood in Great Britain and Ireland, that 
the thorough draining of the land is particularly attended to by every one 
deserving the name of an agriculturist. When the ground is not kept 
clean, weedi encroach upon the useful plants, very often gaining the 
ascendancy by extracting from the soil an undue proportion of nourish- 
ing juices, which should be reserved solely for the use of the growing 
crop intended for consumption. When noxious weeds are allowed to 
grow up among grain crops, or vegetables of any kind, they deprive them 
of their due proportion of light and air, which are assential to their growth 
and perfection. The same remark applies to pasture and meadov/ laud, 
which should be kept dry, manured and clean. I have seen useless weeds 
iu many parts of these western states occupying the place of the swi^etest 
lierbagc, after having smothered it altogether. This should be prevented 
by checking the growth of such weeds before their number and size be- 
come injurious. Foi'uierly few persons, even the old country, understood 
draining upon scientific principles. The plan then pursued was both ex- 
pensive and inefficient, owing, no doubt, to a want of knowledge of the 
geological formation of the earth's upper strata. 

A proper knowledge of the cause producing excessive moisture, fre- 
([uently saves time, labor and expense ; .us a single drain made in the 
proper place and direction, may eft'ect more then ten made without refe- 
rence to the producing cause. Rain water is retained either on the sur- 
face, where it evaporates, or penetrates to a lower level, throu,gh beds of 
sand, gravel, or other permeable substances ; and at some small distance 
beneath the surface, meeting an impenetrable bed, it flows through the 
porus stratum, which usually terminates at, or near the surface, and at 
which point it escapes, spreading itself over the surface in all directions, 
where the land is lower than the point of escape. While the water re- 
mains far under the surface, it does no injury ; it is, therefore, tlie busi- 
ness of the drainer to check its progress before it reaches the surface, 
by confining it to some channel from which it may be carried away through 
some convenient outlet. Tliese observations will be easily understood, 
by referring to the diagrams in my treatise on thorough draining. Y\'hen 
the swamps and many of the shallow lakes throughout the State shall 



86 Industrial Eesourcks 

have been draincil, a considerable area will be gained for Agricultural 
purposes, and much water-power created, by being collected into narrow 
channels, instead of being spread over a large surface, from which only 
a part wuidd evaporate, and the rest remain to the great injury" of the 
soil. 

The absence of high Mountains extends the area of Wisconsin for 
Agricultural purposes, while the height of mountains and peaks in many 
other countries places them above the range of vegetation ; the highest 
of the mounds of "Wisconsin is below that range. The few swamps it 
contains command a sufficient fall for drainage, and the limited quantity 
of inferior quality of soil is covered with pine and forest trees, which, at 
all times, must command remunerative prices in the market, and be other- 
wise useful for domestic purposes. So it might be said of the State of "Wis- 
consin that every acre of its surface is available for some profitable pur- 
pose. 

In connecting with this notice of the actual circumstances of the sur- 
face of "Vi^'isconsin as regards Agricultural capabilities, the important 
question of how its powers may be augmented and protected from that 
impoverishing effect of cropping, invariably observable in lands under 
unskillful cultivation, it may be necessary to show that the action of 
plants upon the soil has this deteriorating tendancy. A plant receives 
all its nourishment from the soil in which it grows, and from the atmos- 
phere : and if we analyze the plant, we shall readil}'- find what it has ta- 
ken from the soil. If the soil thus deprived of a certain proportion of 
nourishing ingredients should not contain the necessary nourishment for 
another crop, the deficiency must be supplied by manuring ; otherwise 
the fertility of the soil will continiie to diminish, and every successive 
crop, from the diminution of the necessary food for its support, will ne- 
cessarily diminish, at least in quantity, if not in quality. Hence it ap- 
pears tliat, to keep the soil in good condition and I'aise a good? healthy, 
productive crop, a perfect knowledge of the constituent parts of both is 
essential. 

In like manner, in applying vegetable substances to tlie feeding o} 
animals, it is of equal importance to know what they severally contain : 
as then the science of Chemistry and Physiology would enable us to 
make a selection of the food best suited to the individual. The three 
great divisions of Nature are co-relative and mutually compensating. 
Plants derive tlicir food partly from the earth - animals theirs from plants. 
Animals and plants die, and return their elements to the soil, which 
sends tliem back in the same order as before ; hence everything in nature 
is referable to some one or other of these three divisions. All plants and 
animals are composed of sixteen elements, the chief being carbon, hydro- 
gen, o.xygen and nitrogen : carbon being a solid substance, and the other 



OF Wisconsin. 87 

three gases. The remaining elements, though usually present in small 
quantities, are no less essential to the healthy condition of the growing 
plants. The great duty of the farmer, then, is to ascertain the composi- 
tion of the soil, and the action of the plants upon it. As the farmer 
could not be supposed to be able to make a chemical analysis of the soil, 
it becomes the imperative duty of the State to supply it. Scientific 
gentlemen connected with the public institutions of learning, world be 
the most fit persons to undertake this task. Professor Hitchcock furni- 
shes a most valuable table, by which a comparison can be instituted be- 
tween the soils of Wisconsin and Massachusetts. This comparison is, of 
itself, sufficient to prove the productive quality of the former : 

Massachusetts. Wisconsin. 
Average quantity of organic matter (soluble,) 3.90 4.90 

Average quantity of inorganic matter, (in 

soluble,) 8.70 5.13 

Average specific quantity of soil, - 2.44 1.S4 

From an inspection of this table it will readily appear, that the quan- 
tity of organic matter in the Wisconsin soil far exceeds that of the Mas- 
sachusetts, while its specific gravity is very much less. 

In looking over the analysis of the soils of Wisconsin and Massachu- 
setts, by Dr. Owen and Prof. Hitchcock, I find in every case, that where 
the specific gravity is small, thtj organic matter in the soil is invariably 
large ; from which we may infer the quality of soils by the specific gravi- 
ties. This, however, though forming a sort of clue to the quality of soil, 
may bring us to conclusions not in all cases satisfactory, 
Aiialjjsis of a sandy soil eoUexted above the mouth of the Chijjpevfa, 
hy Dr. Noriuood. 
W^ater, 1.02 

Organic matter soluble in carbonate of ammonia 1.74 

Organic matter, insoluble 0.25 

Insoluble silicates, 93.00 

Peroxide of iron, 1.65 

Alumina, ].22 

Carbonate of lime, 0.10 

Phosphate of lime, not appreciable, 0.00 

Carbonate of Magnesia, 0.01 

Alkiles, not appreciable, 0.00 

Inorganic acids and loss, 1.00 

100.00 
From this table it appears that a soil containing only two per cent, 
of organic matter, with ninety-thfee percent of insoluble silicates, less 
than four per cent, of soluble saline matter, consisting of oxide cf iron 



88 Industrial, Rksources 

and alumina, and only a mere trace of calcareous earth, holds out no great 

prospect to the farmer. It is, however, right to mention that this district 

produces crops far better than I could expect from a combination of such 

materials. 

Analysis of soil derived from the decomposilioa of Loicer Magnesia 

Ijimestone of Eau Golli. 

Water, 2.50 

Organic matter, 8.20 

Silicic acid, dissolved by chloroydzic acid, ' 0.05 

Cai'bonate of lime, b^O 

Magnesia, 0.32 

Oxide of iron, 2.68 

Alumina, dissolved by chlorodic acid, 3.04 

Alumina, dissolved by sulphuric ;rcid, 1.00 

Alkiles, 0.00 

Phosyhatc of lime and iron, 0.01 

Insoluble silicates, 77.10 

Inorganic acids, combined with above and los.-^, 4.23 



' 100.00 

An inspection of tliis table will readily show how muwh better the 
soil derived from this' rock is than that exliibited in the preceding table. 
It is rich in mineral salts, which give rapidity to growth and durability to 
the soil : while the table of the sandy soil above the mouth of the Chip- 
pewa, above exhibited, gives only two per cent, of organic matter, this 
gives 8.20 per cent, of salts : the sandy soil giving scarcely four per cent, 
of saline matter. This soil is also riclier in the carbonate of lime than 
that. 

An analysis of the soils resting on the different racks ot the State 
would be a valuable acquisition to the agriculturist ; as upon it he would 
soon base a system whieh would be much more profitable than any that 
he could derive from bare observation. 

Having introduced the constitution of soils, it miglit be well to state 
that the consist of two parts : the one organic, which can bo burned when 
the soil is heated to redness ; and the otlier inorganic, which is fixed in 
the fire, consisting entirely of earthy and saline substances. The orgaicn 
part of the soil is the remains of animals and vegetables, which had once 
lived and died, and whicli have been spread over the surface of the ground 
bv river.s, rains and other agencies. These substances add to tlie natural 
fertility of the soil. In different soils, these organic substances exist in 
different ([uantities. In peaty soils it forms from 5() to 70 per cenf. of the 
weight, and as much as 25 per cent, is found in rich, long cultivated soils; 
but, in general, it is found in much smaller proi")ortions, even in the best 



OF Wisconsin. 8& 

arable lands. It is known that oats and rje will grow in land containing 
only 14- per cent. ; barley will grow in soils con taining from 2 to 3 per 
cent. ; but a good wbeat crop will require from 4 to 8 per cent. From 
10 to 12 per cent, is found in some clayey soils. In gardens long culti- 
vated, and all pasture lands, the entire of the upper part of the surface 
is composed of organic matter, which yields to the plants ulmic, geic, cro- 
niic, and apocrenic acids, When animal matter is present, ammonia is 
produced by the decaying process of organized substances. 

Besides the important olfica of supplying the growing plant with these 
substances, the soil supplies also a considerable quantity of inorganic mat- 
ter, such as saline and earthy substances, which are liberated or set free 
during the decay of the organized plant. When we analyze a crop and 
discover that, in a^ healthy state, it contains certain proportions of organic 
and inorganic substances, then, if upon examinaticn a soil is found defi- 
cient in any of these substances, whether organic or inorganic, the defi- 
ciency must be added, otherwise a good crop cannot be expected. The 
surface soil of every district is composed of these organic and inorganic 
substances, mixed together in various proportions, whicli act upon the 
plant injuriously, or otherwise, according- to the deficiency, or to the 
quantity present in the soil of some of these substances. T!ic subsoil is 
variable in quantity and quality, and exercises a very important part in 
the production of crops, as is well known to every intelligent farmer. 
The jjhysical properties of the subsoil, in connection with the effects of 
climate, aftect vegetation in a very high degree. The effects of climate 
upon the upper soil is also very great. Some soils are dense and others 
light. Sandy and marly soils are the heaviest, and peaty soils the light- 
est. Some soils absorb more moisture than others and retain it longer. 
Peaty soils absorb most, and sandy soils least. Strong clays absorb and 
ratain three times as much water as sandy soils ; hence the necessity of 
draining peaty and clayey soils. 

The capilary attraction of soils influence the growth of plants. The 
different capacities of soil to lose water by evaporation affect the growth 
of plants. In dry weather plants would be burnt up in a sandy soil, while 
they may prosper in a soil retaining moisture. On the contrary, plants 
may flourish on a sandy soil in wet weather, while in a soil retentive of 
water, they would perish, or at least would not be productive as in clayey 
and peaty soils. Shrinking or diminishing is bulk in another property of 
the soil, whicli has some influence on the growth of plants. Clayey and 
peaty soils shrink most, and sandy soils least, if at all. In dry weather 
this property of the soil acts most injuriously on the growing plants. The 
soil, in shrinking, grasps to tender roots, and often squeezes them to 
death. Hence the utility of mixing sandy and gravelly soils with still 
clayey soils. The sand or gravel prevents the squeezing tendency of the 



90 Industsrial Reouuchs 

clay to injure the roots by conipressing them, and admits the air also, 
which Avould otherwise be excluded. • In dry seasons, peat or clay, mixed 
with sandy soils, improves them by making them absorb more moisture 
from the athmosphere, and retain it longer. Different degrees of heat 
exercise a considerable influence on TCgetation. A wet soil takes a longer 
time in acquiring a degree of heat sufficient to produce vegetation than 
dry soils. Hence the necessity of draining. Color enters also into the 
functions of vegetation. Blackish vegetable mould and dry sand, and clay 
become heated to nearly equal degrees, by exposure to the sun during 
equal times. 

Besides a knowledge of those geological properties of the soil, its 
chemical composition must be understood. Professor Johnson very pro- 
perly says, that soils perform at least three functions in relation to vege- 
tation. "They serve as a basis in which plants may fix their roots, and 
sustain themselves' in an erect position ; they supply inorganic food to 
vegetables at every period of their growth, and they are the medium in 
which many chemical changes take place, that are essential to the right 
preparation of the various kinds of food which the soil is destined to yield 
to the growing plant." I have said, in one of the preceding pages, that 
when a plant dies, its elements, under the influence of chemical affinities 
are reduced to a blackish mould, chem.ically termed humus, or ulmic 
Sir Cobert Kane says, that when perfectly pure, this substance contains 
no nitrogen, and coiisists of, as prepared ; 

From Wood. From Sugar, 
Carbon, 72.7 ' 65.65 

Hydrogen, 6.1 4 2S 

Oxygen, 21.2 30. oT 



100.00 100.00 

This material is destitute of any power on vegetation. In the pro- 
cess of the decomposition of vegetable matter, it evolves carbonic acid 
and absorbs oxygen from the atmosphere, as a considerable quantity of 
nitrogen, which enter into the constitution of the new product, which 
finally acquires almost the composition of an animal substance, as may 
be seen under. Tliis new product is termed nitrogen. 



Carbon 
Hydrogen, 
Nitrogen, 
Oxygen, 



Nitrogen. 


Flesh. 


57.20 


55.20 


6.32 


7.00 


12.20 


16.89 


24.28 


20.90 



100.00 100.00 



OF Wisconsin. ' , 91 

The decomjiosition of this nitrogen, when in contact with air and 
moisture, is similar to that of animal bodies. The roots and fibres of 
plants left in the ground to rot, by a similar chemical process, form food 
for the next generation of plants. 

A certain relation exists between the soil and the plants that grow 
upon it ; a fact well known to the most unobserving farmer. While one 
description of soil will yield an abundant erep of wheat, another descrip- 
tion will refuse in any substance whatever. While pine timber pill grow 
naturally on one so.l, beach will be the natural growth of another. — The 
mountain top will naturally grow heath or moss, but wnen abundantly 
limed, these are displaced by natural grasses or daise.. Hence it appears 
that the seeds lie dormant in the soil, till they are awakened into vita\ 
existence by the presence of the food necessary for their siipport When 
any soil denies to the plant sufficient food for its support, it dies off and 
is suceeeded by a different plant, whose wants can be supplied by the 
food still remaining in the soil, adapted to its nature. 

The soil is a natural laboratory in which animal and vegetable sub- 
stances are decomposed, and when these svbstances are mysteriously com- 
bined by the chemical affinity in certain proportions, the mass forms a 
compound containing the elements produced from the decomposition of 
seeds planted by the hand of man and when thus combined by the elabo- 
ration of nature under general laws, vegetable growth commences, simi- 
lar to what takes place in seeds discomposed in the soil after having been 
planted by the agriculturist or gardener. In this way trees spring up in 
prairies and other natural surfaces where no seed had ever been. The 
theory which confers on. animals the credit of transporting the seed of a 
whole forest of the same species from a long distance, and sometimes 
across a standing forest composed of a different species, is most unlikely 
and not worthy of credit. 

It has been stated before that the natural operations of nature point 
out the necessity of a regular rotation of cropping. The analysis of dif- 
ferent crops show, that one crop takes away from the soil a certain quan- 
tity of food ; another extracts a certain quantity of another description, 
leaving still plenty for the support of a third crop, different from the 
other two. Here it may be seen that the same soil may amply supply 
three different crops, while the same crop perhaps might grow but indiffe- 
rently the second year, and die off the third for want of sufficient food for 
its support. Hence the necessity of manuring the soil specially for par" 
ticular crops. 

But following nature, a more economical plan might be adopted ; 
namely, a proper rotation. Science points out the best rotation, which 
books on agriculture will describe. As well as the same soil, to be eco- 
nomically worked, requires a proper rotation of crops, so likewise does it 



92 I.VDUSTKIAL KkSOUKCES 

require the same seed to be cbauged as often as possible. Evcrj farmer 
is aware of the utility of this practice. 

In order to illustrate some of the statements made in the preceding 
part of this work, and also to show the great advantage of a superabun- 
dant supply of certain substances — to pt'olong the agricultural capabili- 
ties of the sail, and restore it when worn out by injudicious tillage, I sub- 
join the composition of three diflerent soils, as determined by ^prognel, 
a celebrated German chemist, who devoted much attention to Agricultural 
Science. The three soils are under the numbers 1, 2, '6 — number 1 
being a very fertile alluvial soil from East Friesland, formerly overflowed 
by the sea, but under cultivation for GO years without manure : number 
2 being a fertile soil, producing excellent crops of clover, pulse, rape po- 
tatoes and turnips, "the two last more especially when manured witli 
gypsum'' ; and number 3 being a very barren soil from Luneberg : 

No.. 1. No. 2. No. 3. 
Soluble saline matter, 18 1 1 

Fine clay and organic matter, 937 839 599 

Silicious sand, 45 KiO 400 



1000 1000 1000 
These numbers present very striking- differences. No. 1 contains a 
([uantity uf saline matter, consisting of common salt, chloride of potassium, 
sulphate of potash, sulpliate of lime, sulphate of magnesia, sulphate of 
of iron, and phosphade of soda, while No, 3 contains a large proportion 
of sand but is dificient in other substances which confer fertility, as 
shown in the subjoined table, in which the finer portions, separated from 
sand and "soluble matter, consisted, in 1000 parts of — 

Organic matter. 

Silica, 

Alumina, 

Lime, 

Magnesia, 

Oxide of iron, 

Oxide of magnesia, 

Potash, 

Soda, 

Ammonia 

Chlorine 

Sulphuric acid, 

Phosphoric acid, 

Car])onic acid. 

Loss, 

1000 1000 ' 1000 
In reviewing this table, it appears thit No, 1 contains all the ele- 
ments of fertility, having 10 per cent of organic matter, nearly 6 per cent 
of lime, a large quantity of saline matter, with the acids, soda, and pot- 



No. 1. 


No. 2. 


No. 3 


9-( 


50 


40 


743 


!^33 


778 


57 


51 


91 


59 


IS 


4 


Si- 


c 


1 


of^ 


30 


SI 


1 


3 


x 


o 


trace 


trace 


4 


do 


do 


trace 


do 


du 


.) 


do 


d.. 


2 


.'.1 


do 


41- 


IK 


do 


40" 


41 


do 


14 




■* 



OF Wisconsin. 



93 



ash, in sufficient quantities. Tlie soil No. 2 shows a deficiency of soluble 
saline matter, and also of lime and organic ingredients ; but, on the 
whole, it contains (some in limited quantities) all the elements of fertil- 
ility, and under proper management, may be made highly productive. 
The figures under No. 3 show a great deficiency of organic matter, and 
|ime, but an excess of the oxide of iron. The effect of this excess of 
^ron must be neutralized, and the substances found wanting supplied by 
the application of manure in proper proportions ; otherwise this already 
miserable soil should be given up to hopeless sterility. It is of the grea- 
test importance to know the constitution of the soil, as well as of the 
plants intended to grow upon it, as then, if the soil should be found de- 
ficient in the particular fruit required by the plant, it could be supplied 
from the farm yard or some other source. In like manner, whed we 
know the ingredients in the composition of a plant, we can make a pro- 
per selection to feed animals, either for fattening or for the pail. Im- 
pressed with the importance of this knowledge, I copy the followino- 
table, drawn up by Sir Robert Kane, from accurate analysis, by Baus- 
singault. 

100 parts of the following substances, considered as dry, consists of 

Carbon. Hydrogen. Oxygen. Nitrogen. ' Ashes. 



Wheat 

Wheat stra, 

Oats, 

Oat straw, 

Potatoes, 

Turnips, 

Red clover hay, 



4(3.1 
48.5 
50.7 
50.1 
4.40 
42.9 
47.4 



5.3 
6.4 
5.4 

5.8 
5.5 
5 



43.4 
3S.9 
36.7 
39.0 
44.7 
42.3 
37. S 



2.3 
0.4 
2 2 
0^4 
1.5 
1.7 
2.1 



2 4 
7^2 
4.0 
5.1 
4.0 
7.13 
7.7 



100 parts of these in their ordinary state of moisture, contain usually 



Clover 
hay. 



Tur- 
nips. 



Pota- 
toes. 



Wheat. 



Do 
straw. 



Dry material. 
Water, 



I 79 I 7.5 1 24.1 I 85.5 
! 21 ] 62 5 i 75.9 [ 14.5 
100 parts of these ashes of these substances contain — 



74 
26 



Oats. 



Oat 
straw. 



79.2 

20.8 



Phosphoric acid 

Sulphuric acid, 

Carbonic acid, 

Chloirnine, 

Lime, 

Magnesia, 

Potash, 

Soda, 

Silica, 

Aluniina, 

Mosture & loss, 



Wheat. 


Wheat 


Oats 


Oat 


Pota- 


Tur- 




straw. 
3.1 




straw. 
3.0 


toes. 
11.3 


nips. 
6 1 


47-0 


14.9 


1.0 


1.0 


1.0 


4.1 


7.1 


10.9 


1.0 


1.0 


1.7 


3.2 


13.4 


14.0 


trace 


0.6 


0.5 


4.7 


2.7 


2.9 


2.9 


8.5 


3.7 


8.3 


1.8 


10.9 


15.9 


5.0 


7.7 


2.8 


54 


4. .3 


29.5 


9.5 


12.9 


24.5 


51.5 


33.7 


trace 


0.3 


0.0 


4.4 


trace 


4.1 


1.2 


67 6 


52.3 


40.0 


56 


6.4 


1.2 


1.0 


1,3 


2.1 


0.5 


1.2 


2.4 


3-7 


3.0 


2.9 


0.7 


5.5 



71.3 

28.7 



Clo- 
ver. 

6.3 
2.5 

25.0 
2.6 

24.6 
6.3 

26.6 
0.5 
5.3 
.0.0 
0.0 



94 Industkiai, Hesoorces 

By means of these investigations of ]3aussingault, I could actully 
ascertain the exact quantity of these various elements taken from the soil 
by the growing crop ; but having already exceeded the limits which I 
first proposed, I can onl}'- refer such as might be anxious to pursue this 
subject farther to works written expressly on agriculture. These results 
show how numerous are the substances which the plants abstract from the 
soil, and if the process of abstraction be continued, it would ultimately be 
left barren, and unable to sustain a growing crop in a healthy state. 
Therefore the land must be renewed, either by manuring or by allowing 
it to repose. 

Wishiug tc limit nij^self on this subject, I shall only briefly state the 
most approved plan resorted to by the best agriculturist, 

The admixture of clay with sand or peat produces both a physical 
and chemical alteration, favorable to cultivation ; so does lime, mixed with 
other substances, form an excellent compost, which, when applied to soils 
containing little or none of this fertilizer, never fails of having a good ef- 
fect. Land may be increased in permanent value by planting it. All 
woods however, are not equally eifeetive ia improving the soil. — Scotch 
fir efi'ects very little improvement ; beech and spruce effect still less ; but 
under ash, oak, larch, and other tribes whose leaves contain enriching 
matter, the soil is increased in value, Land laid down to artificial grasses 
for some years is restored to a sound condition. Running water being al- 
ways charges with both organic and inorganic food for plants in a greater 
or less degree, should not be allowed to escape without discharging a very 
important duty — that of enriching the soil wherever the circumstances of 
the surface would admit it. Pure water is known to improve the soil 
considerably, but the benefit bestowed will be increased in proportion to 
the quantity of manuring ingredients conveyed to the surface. It is upon 
this principle that lime or shell marl is sometimes diluted in the water 
of the upper carrier, in order that its particles may be conveyed to the 
different parts of the ground. Salt is excellent upon rushy and sour past- 
ures, which are subject to occasion rot in sheep; such is its effects, that 
it prevents tliat destructive evil from attacking them. The salt, as well 
as the lime, or marl, should be put in small quantities into the upper cut, 
and stirred about occasionally, in order that it may be borne down by the 
stream, and equally diffused among the roots of the grass, which will soon 
feci the beneficial effects of such a mixture. '\Vhen the velocity of the 
water in the cut is imperceptible, it is useless to impregnate it with salt or 
rich eartli, as the particles will soon fall to the bottom, gravity exerting a 
greater force than the propelling force of the water. 1 have observed that 
the fertilizing effects of water, whether poor or charged with manuring 
ingredients, is very great. Therefore, the practice of irrigating land should 
never be neglected. What has tended to fertilize the arrid land of the 



OF Wisconsin. 95 

Egyptians but the periodical overliowing of the turbid waters of the Nile. 
So duly is the benefit derived from the watering of the laud appreciated 
by some scientific farmers, that the practice is never omitted at theproj^er 
season, while others seem to be indifferent to so cheap a source of improve- 
ment. I have bad considerable experience in this department of improve- 
ment in the old country, and I can assert that, in every case where it was 
tried, the result was beneficial. The water should never be allowed on 
land before it is thoroughly drained, nor on any place from which it could 
not be drawn oflF at pleasure. 

The sinuosities of the surface of Wiseonsin are favorable to irrigation, 
and where water and a sloping surface present themselves, advantage 
should be taken, of the concurrent circumstances. In many parts of Europe 
as well as in the United States, the land is sown with green crops, which 
are plowed into the soil to enrich it. Straw, hay, saw-dust, bran, brewer'KS 
grain, malt dust, rape dust, charcoal powder, sea weed, marl, sea sand, 
gypsum, tanners' bark' soot, coal dust and coal tar, are used in various 
ways as fertilizers. Peat is extensively used as a manure in countries 
which abound in bogs. Peat charcoal is also used, and where turf is 
the only fuel used fo^ domestic purposes, the ashes are of some importance 
as a manure. The ashes of pure turf are similar to those of other plants, 
except that the soluble ingredients, for the most part are absent. For 
instance, the quantity of potash present in most ashes of plants, is not 
found m turf ashes. From an analysis carefully conducted on the conti- 
nent of Europe, turf ashes differ in their constitution ; some containing 
magnesia, potash, soda, sul^iheric acid (Sec, which are highly benificial ; 
while the ashes of a different description of turf, on account of the ab- 
sence of some these substances, are of little value. 

Every farmer is aware of the action of animal manures, which are 
much more stimulating than vegetable manures. The refuse of fish, skin, 
tallow, and of other animal substances are employed with much advan- 
tage to renovate the soil. Wool, hair, woolen rags, and all similar sub- 
stances exercise a higher and more lusting influence on the soil than any 
description of vegetable matter. Blood, mixed with other ingredients, 
makes a good compost. Shell fish, bones, and hoof parings are used as 
good manure with effect. 

The relative value of vegetable manures is estimated, first : by the 
relative quantity of inorganic matter they contain ; and second, by^ the 
relative quantity of nitrogen present in each. Digested animal substan- 
ces, such as night soil, the solid excrement of horses, cows, sheeps, hoes, 
and birds, are known to exercise great influence on vegetation. The urine 
of men, horses, cows, and other animals is in high esteem among agricul- 
turists. Trifling as the quantity of urine voided by animals may be con- 
sidered, its waste amounts to a national loss, which, in amount, is incred- 



9G 



Industrial Resources 



ible. Mr. Smith of Deanstown, one of the first authorities in England 
njDon suuh matters, says that the urine of two men is sufficient to manure 
an acre of land ; and, if mixed with ashes, will produce a good crop of 
turnips. The quantity of phosphates in human urine gives it a higher 
value, as compared with the urine of other enimals, in which these sub- 
stances are absent. Liquid manure should never be allowed to go to 
waste. If not collected in tanks, as in many parts of Britain, it should 
be made to flow over the surface of some field, which it could not fail to 
improve. 

The large quantity of ammonia in guano, gives it fertilizing powers 
which arc gejicrally known and acknowledged. This substance contains 
also a proportion of phosphates- which enchance its value. Valuable as 
many of these substances are, as manures, some are so expensive, and 
more so scarce, that their use must always be confined to individuals, and 
to particular localities. They may all, however, be supplied by the use 
of the farm yard manure, which is within the reach of every farmer, and 
and which contains all the elements of fertility — a quality not possessed 
by any particular manuring substance mentioned in this chapter. Its 
quantity ^.nd quality depend on the rigid economy used in collecting it, 
and upon the manner in which it is made, kept, and used on the farm. 

The following is the result of analysis of farm yard manure in a half 
rotted condition, by Bausingault. The result, of course, depends on cir- 
cumstances, which are continually changing, and therefore no two will 
exactly agree. The manure, in its usual form, contains 20.7 per cent of 
<lry material, and 79.3 of water : 







Richest. 


Poorest. 


Average. 


Carbon, 




40,0 


32.4 


35.8 


Hydrogen, 




4.3 


3.8 


4.2 


Nitrogen, 




2.4 


1.7 


2.0 


Oxygen, 




27.6 


25.8 


25.8 


Salts and earth, 




25.7 


32.2 


32.2 






100.0 


100.0 


100.0 


The ashes of 100 yards 


of this manure 


contains — 




Carbonic acid. 








2.0 


Phosphoric acid. 








3.0 


Sulphuric acid, 








L9 


Chlorine, 








0.6 


Silica, sand and 


ley, 






66.4 


Lime, 








8.6 


Magnesia, 








3.6 


Potash and soda. 








^s 



OF Wisconsin. 97 

By inspecting this analysis, it will be seen that it contains all the 
constituents of plants in general, anil therefore all the wants of the farm 
can be supplied from the dung heaj), at an expense, too, which no indus- 
trious farmer could feel. As nothing in nature is completely annihilated, 
by any change that ean take place, either mechanical or chemical in its 
constitution, it appears that if every crop grown on the farm be con- 
sumed on it, its condition of fertility can, by no means, be deteriorated. 
On the contrary, every load of straw, hay, or of any other vegetable mat- 
ter which had grown on the farm, and sold in the market, or otherwise 
disposed of, will lessen its productive power by just the amount thus sold 
or removed ; consequently as much of the produce of the farm as may be 
consistent with the circumstances of the farmer, ought to be consumed 
on the land, or returned to it in the shape of manure. Hence the prac- 
tice of feeding sheep and other descriptions of stock on the farm, is resor- 
ted to by the best farmers in order to improve and renovate it. The 
animals fattened on the farm, if sold, will diminish its fertility by the 
amount of what they weigh ; but if consumed on the premises, the land 
can sustain no injury. 

Having glanced over numerous topics connected with that branch of 
the industrial resources of Wisconsin, which I consider must form the 
principal occupation of the people for a long time to come, I shall further 
suggest such improvements in the general management of the farm as 
appear to me to be best calculated to advance the general interest of the 
State. 

In a new country, such as Wisconsin, it is well known that the wild 
grasses peculiar to it, are far from containing the same quantity of nour- 
ishing juices as tame or artificial grasses ; nor does it produce the same 
quantity in the wild state ; therefore, every farmer should take especial 
care to lay down bis fields with such artificial grasses as he may know 
from experience would best succeed. I find that clovQr and timothy grow 
well in every part of the State ; consequently the cultivation of these 
two grasses should not be neglected. Where industrial intelligence has 
advanced agriculture to a high degree of perfection, as in England, Bel- 
gium, and other European eountries, the natural grasses are replaced by 
the more nutritious articles — turnips, parsnips, carrots, &c. — on which 
cattle are fed in comfortable sheds, instead of being allowed to roam 
about, wasting their food in muscular efforts inconsistent with their ulti- 
mate use. This, however, cannot be successfully carried out with ad- 
vantage in our present condition. One thing, however, ought to be done: 
cattle ought to be fed and confined at night, during the inclement season 
of winter and spring, in suitable sheds, instead of going about in quest of 
food and shelter, as I have seen them in the severest weather. Cows, as 

7 



98 Industiual Rksouroes 

well as horses, require to be fed well, and kept warm and clean during the 
night, in cold weather, otherwise they cannot thrive. 

Farmers would be well paid by rearing more stock than they do at 
present. Every year will give increased facilities of bringing cattle to 
market. The construction of the Rail Road from Boston into Maine has 
induced the farmers in the central parts of that State to send to Cam- 
bridge, Mass., in 1850, no less than 14,000 cattle, which sold for good 
prices. We shall soon have similar facilities in our State, and the far- 
mers having an abundance of cheap food for cattle, will no doubt take 
advantage of them. A good milch cow will sell for $20 (1855), but in 
1870 for 150 ; beef cattle for ^30 (1855), but in 1870 for $60 ; a yoke 
of oxen for $75 (1855), but in 1 870 for $150. 

Dairy cows, properly taken care of would, each, on an average, produce 
150 lbs. of butter in a year, which would readily sell, in summer for 30 cts. 
and in winter for 50 cents, making iu the year $60 which is a handsome 
proJSt, considering the little trouble and expense in feeding a cow and 
manufacturing the butter. Besides the sum realized by the sale of the 
butter, the calf would fetch $10, and the sour milk would be valuable iu 
feeding hogs and calves. By moderate care, a cow would produce 2l0 
lbs., but wishing to give no exagerated statement, I make the amount as 
low as 150 lbs., which is under the average produce. Cheese might be 
made with good profit. A cow would produce of this article from 150 
to 200 lbs,, which would fetch l5 cent per lb., which, by the cheese alone 
would make $30 a year. 

Col. T. Bridgeman, in his report to the Commissioner of patents, 
says that 100 lbs. of corn will produce from 10 to 12 lbs. of beef, and an 
acre will on an average, produce 50 bushels of corn (2800 lbs.) therefore 
336 lbs. of beef may be produced from an acre, which at 10c would amount 
to $33.60. Hay pays well in every part of the State, An acre produces, 
at the price it has sold for in the market from $20 to $30, and in some pla- 
ces, more. Hogs are a great souree of profit in most parts of the Wes- 
tern states, especially in Ohio and Kentucky. Wisconsin is beginning to 
see the advantage of attending more to this branch of farming industry. 
By keeping sows to breed, young hogs cost but little. Oats and corn are 
grown at a small expense, and both are first rate food to fatten hogs. 
Corn, however is generally the food employed for this purpose. Mr. J. 
E. Dodge, of Grant County writing to one of the Commissioner of Pa- 
tents, says, I selected two pigs, the heaviest was fed with corn meal 
mixed with cold water, the other with shelled corn with plenty of pure 
water to drink. We have then the true gain produced, which was 6 3-4 
lbs. for every 56 lbs of meal, and 5 lbs. for every 56 lbs. of corn. This 
appears to be very small indeed from such a large expenditure of food, 



OF Wisconsin. 90 

yet eveu at that rate an acre would yield a good profit by feeding hogs 
on its produce. Pork sells at present (1855) for $4.50 per hundred. 

Horses bring a good price in this State. A pretty good horse will 
bring from $150 to $175. One or two breed mares would soon increase 
the farmer's stock. Sheep may be reared to any amount in Wisconsin 
which I consider well adapted to that department of husbandry. In an 
able article on sheep husbandry and wool-growing in the United States 
by Henry Randale of the State of New York, it is clearly proved that 
the United States possesses half the cheap fertile land included in the 
the wool-zone throughout the world, "nearly her entire territory lies 
within it. Experience proves that sheep are healthy in every portion 
of the United States. The terrible droughts and predisposition to cer- 
tain diseases encountered by the Australian flock — the comparative inse- 
curity of property in Buenos Ayres — the climate vicissitudes of Southern 
Russia — are not known in our most favored wool region. Land is cheap 
here and more fertile, and much nearer the great wool markets of the 
world than Australia.'' With all these advantages in our favor, we 
ought to compete successfully with South America and Southern Russia 
in external markets, and to keep them, at all events, out of our own mar- 
kets. From the vast t[uantities of woolen imported every year for home 
consumption, one would be apt to think that we should never be able to 
supjDly our own wants. 

From what has been stated above, it is evident that more attention 
should be paid to the rearing of sheep, so as to be able to sujDply our 
wants, at least. 

In this connection I might add, that we are so far advanced, now, in 
wealth and population and so abundantly supplied with running streams 
capable of giving motion to machinery, we ought to manufacture a suf- 
ficiency of woolen goods and other fabrjcs for home consumption, bv 
which a vast saving to the State would be effected. 

Turnips are not grown in this State, except on a very limited scale 
for the table. Carrots, parsnips and beets are grown only for the same- 
purpose. Sugar beet has been grown in some of the States to some profit 
and I have seen beets, grown in this State, of enormous size. Wheis 
they are used in feeding hogs, they are considered better than grain, and 
they cost one-third. When consumed by cattle, the roots are to be wash- 
ed and sliced. Poultry leave considerable profit. A hen will leave a 
profit of $3 or $4 a year. Eggs bring a large price, in winter, in all 
western towns. They are preserved during the hot weather, and sold 
when in demand, for 20 or 34 cents a dozen. There are a thousand dif- 
ferent ways in which a farmer may provide for his table, and make a 
little money besides, provided he and his family arc industrious. In ad- 



100 1nIMm;;;\:. ivKSOVKCRS 

lUtiun (0 lianuluor Utwl. ho luav tVotl turkoTs, anil roar j>iou!\ ct goos« 
and lUioks, wluoh soaroly ooj^t uMYtluuii' t'or fooilitii;. ln\<itlos tho tlosh of 
U'ooso ami tluoks, tlioir t'oathors t\>toh a :;oikI prioo. 

For soino voars haok, tho potatoo has not boon oultivatod m \\ i>i oa- 
sin to any oxtout. ovYin^s;, I supjuiso. to tho attaok o( that ticstruotivo 
diseaso whioh throatons to banish it iVoiii tho tiohl altouollior. "*■ Tho oh^ 
monts ot'naturo soon» to wage war against this tubi>r in ovorv part of tho 
»YorKl wlioro it has boon oultivatoil. ^^un>ori>ns thoorios !iavo boon pro- 
posoil lu tills oonntrv ami in Kuropo to ohook tho pri>gross of this ilisoajso 
aiul provont a roourronoo of it. but all lo no pnrposo. The nialailv stiU 
oontinuos to balHo tho skill i>f tho most oxporionooil soiontitio nion of tho 
ago. Tho oanso that lias prodnooil this blight, and tho roinody to ouro it 
nio yot. vinknown. Tho orop was bad. both in quantity and nualitv, in 
overv part of tho Union I travollod. fin* somo y oars, but tho growth of 
tho prosont yoar t^l{^r»"J) is vory tolorablo. Tho quantity of land lu-on- 
piod by this orop in this oouutrv is rathor liiuitod. Its failuro in AmorioA 
is not of suoh serious oouvsoijuonoe as in parts of Europe ; as Indian ooni 
sumdios its jdaoo in almost ovory rospoot, being tho ohlof toiul of "ovory 
animal, from man down to tho maurauding rat, while its dried blade fur- 
nishes us with 7-10 t>f tho long food for our working animals." Tho In- 
dian oorn orop is oonsiderod the '"king of all orops" in almost every 
State of tho Union. Its value, as an artiolo oi human t'ood, is eonsider- 
ably rodiu'od in orossing tho v>eean. It deteriorates in its passage so nuieh 
that in Ireland during the famine, the inmates ol' the poor-houses used it 
with roluetanoo. 1 invariably witnessed the poor of that eountry, though 
in a state of starvation at tho time, to exprtss tlioir ilisliko to Imlian I'orn 
in any shape. 

Cranberries are not only used in almost ovory family, but are ;iJso 
an artiolo of eommeree, boin^ exported in largo quaatities to Oaliforuia, 
Kui:;l»nd and other eouutries. SoO.OOO wore sent, in lv^^^)L^ frwiu Massa- 
ohusotts alone to the land of gold. Our swamps and marshes would yield 
a very largo return, by plautiug them with this article of luxury. 1 
have seou it stated that a single aore. under proper maiuigemoiu. will 
jield a profit of SoOO. If this bo so, attention should bo ilirootod to tho 
oultivatiou of this orop. espooially in marshy and boggy lands unsuitod to 
other purposes. From the experiments o( eastern farmers, oranberrios 
may be raisoil on almost any soil, but best on low meadow, whioh is fouud 
to bo improved by drainage. They may bo propagated by roots orseed.>. 
TTie elimate of Wiseonsin is well adapted to tho growth and porfootiou of 
this favorite fruit. 



'- '^ The {lotaloi" Miiiht has uot mndo its appear.Hiioo \u Hi<>M>^''\ for jtomo vow.* 
back. 



<iK VVl.'-CON.SIN. 101 

.Nuiiicnius crniirt of ^frcat |ir;L''(.iriiI vjiliic, wli<;ii (•(iti;i(l<'r<(l in (nrry 
: iivriilalil(! po'mf, of vi(!W, oxcrci.Mc IiMl<^ '!xhauntiiig action iijmhi IIh- .soil, 
wliich Ik a propcrtv in cconoiiiic iigrifMiItiirc! of no iiiaoiisidcralilt- iiiipor- 
IjiiUM! ; as a ,s:i,viii;j: ni (,li<! <'xliauMtin/.f acUoii of a r;ro|) forms oik; of iJm 
(•[({('f ('l(Miicnls ol' |n-olil , wlu-n wf coiiisidci' iJial, < lie /.m-cmI, ol)j(!(!r of luta- 
lion of crops, ;iii(| oUicr scic^iil.ifn! ;ipplia,ii(!(!,s ih to raise (nuii tlir- soil iUo, 
^-rcatt'sl, (jiiaiility of proiliicc :if, iJir; icasl. (fxpotisc, and willi iJn; Icasf, in- 
jury to tlu^ soil. I liiiv<' statcrl in souk; one of flu; piM'ccdin^^ p;i;^<'H, I liat 
after tli(! lirst ntag(! of tiu) {growth of |)laiits, tli(! assimilation of (iirir <',ur- 
fion irt carried on l)y tlit; deeompositiori of tin! atmosplicrc, liy wliicli tli(! 
incro woolly portion of tlio stem is almost «'xclusivoIy I'ornicd from nil- :iiid 
water, as tlie lif.Mie(»ns fibre; is composed of carl)on nniteil t(( oxygen and 
jiydrogon, just in tini j»ro|tortion wlii<'li forms wjittir. A I<mowI<mIi^<! of 
j this fact loads to v(>ry important results in agricultural induslry. All 
t.lic, variotioH of starch and sugar are efunposed of siitiilnr clenM^nts, carbon 
j and water ; that is carbfUi, ox3'gen and hydrogen. VVlnoi tln>^(! bodies 
I ar(i ])uro, they contain no nitrogen. TIk; plants that eontnin stnreli and 
sugar require nitrogcni ami mineral (dements, theref<tr(! they e,xliaust the 
I soil. Now, if w(! extnict rroin beet its sugar, and from a jtolato its 
standi, ami return the remainder to tin; sitil, it is evid<uit (h;it we restore 
all the parts of the plant that were exhausting, frcjm vvhicdi it appears 
tliat the land <:an pro(lu(;(! a sueoessiori of erops of sugar and standi with- 
I <nit any sensible diminution of btrlJIity. 1 have thus sliown tin; elemen- 
tary c(mstitution of b(!ets and [lotatoe;;, without, however, riipresenting 
itiem numerically, in order to dire<;t ;itteii1,ion to these iirtiejes of farming 
jroducf! for maiiufaeturing purposes. 

In J<'ran(!« and other parts of the Continent of Muropc ;irc niannfao- 
t\ircd larg(! (juantities of sugar, from tin; red ami yelbiw be<'l. the sugar 
<-btained anmiints to 7 to 1.0 per (lent of the weight. Wo hav(! so jnueh 
^^ugar mujde in this statt;, from whi(di tin; :irti(dt! is obtaiued, bnndy at 
1-he (!xp(Mise r)f the labor bcistowed on il, thai to extract sugar from be(!t 
would not, perhaps, pay for tin; (ixpense of raising the (-rop ;ind majinfacr 
turiiig it. We are how<'V"r dilT'erently ciriiumstance'd as rcjgards tin; 
the manufaeturc of starch IVom potatoes, which are kn<nvn to produ(!(i 
iii(ir(; (d' that artiide fi'om a given ar(!a than iiny starch -l>earing crop. W(! 
i!nport into this State a vast (juantity of this artiele from Nc^w ^'ork, 
whifdi might be supplied a(: lionn; at n<!ir Inilf the cost. An intcdligent 
German, Mr. Ifayiir, has commenced this business within Ji short distane(! 
of town, and 1 hope he will r^tr^iwi'. (onviuragciment. 

He manulactures iVom wheat Hour. On the (Continent of I'iiirope, 
the standi produced from tin; potatoe is consumed iri making jellies, nago, 
tapioca, in thiekening iiap(!r, in niakiuL^ (;onf(.'etionary, ami in a variety 



l02 Industrial Resouuces 

of uses ; the most remarkable being its preparation for sugar and spirits. 
The jJreparation of sugar from the potatoe is a branch of industry in al- 
most universal practice, especially in Hamburg, from which place London 
receives immense quantities colored with burnt sugar, which makes it 
pass as French brandy. The sugar maple tree flourishes in almost all 
the parts of North America, its height is often 100 feet, and its chief 
excelleucp consists in yielding sap for the manufacture of sugar, which is 
conducted during spring months. An orchard of maple trees is almost 
as good as a field of sugar cane of the same extent. This tree lives to 
the age of 200 years, and makes excellent fuel ; iu 1850, thirty four mil- 
lions of pounds of sugar were manufactured iu the United States. Of 
the twenty-seven states in which maple swgar is manufactured, Maine 
produced 1,392,427 lbs. Vermont 5,159,041 lbs. New York 10,310,- 
740 lbs. Pennsylvania 2,2l8,041 lbs. Virginia 1,233,908 lbs. Ohio 
4,528,548 lbs. xAIichigan 2,428,997 lbs. Indiana 2,921,638 lbs. iu ad- 
dition to this tlie Indians east of the Mississippi river make annually 10- 
000,000 lbs., and those west 2,000,000 lbs., besides this quantity of 
sugar, the sugar maple yielded in 18.50, forty millions of gallons of mo- 
lasses. 

I have had the means of ascertaining the quantity of sugar manu- 
factured in Wisconsin that year which was 661,209 lbs. 

I have seen very little manglewurtzel grown in this state, peas and 
beans are grown in limitted quantities for home consumption; rye is re- 
ceiving more attention of late than it formerly did, buck wheat is culti- 
vated in small patches and is very generally used in the winter season, it 
is made into thin pancakes and used hot, witji butter or molasses, if al- 
lowed to cool, it loses all its attractive qualities ; I consider it as good 
when well cooked as the best pancake made in the old country. Wild 
riee grows in parts of this state. 

Mr. Banson, writing from the falls of St. Croix, says, "the Indians 
gather large quantities of it, their method of doing which is, they pass 
through amongst it with tlieir canoes before it gets quite ripe and collect 
the heads together in handfulls and give them a twist so that they wil' 
stay together ; this prevents them falling down into the water. When 
quite ripe, they again pass along in their canoes and bend these 
clusters of heads over into them, and with a small stick beat out the 
grain. 

In this manner two of them will collect three or four bushels in a 
day. Their method of using it is cither to parch it over a slow fire, and 
then mix it with a little sugar, and in that manner eat it ; or to boil it 
and mix it with a little grease, if they have any, or if not, to eat it with- 



OF Wisconsin. 103 

out anything to make it relisli. White men frequently lived on it in that 
manner for several clays, and found it very nourishing. We use it a 
great deal at table and find it much more nutritious than Southern rice. 
The Indians frequently sow it when they find a place fit for it, if it is not 
already growing spontaneously. " In the north-west parts of the State, 
there are numerous lakes whose margins would be favorable to the growth 
of this species of rice. 



BIOGRAPHY. 



LUCIUS PAIRCHILD. 



Lucius Faircluld, tlie present G ovcnior of Wisconsin, is one of the 
marked and representative men of the Nortliwest, He came from that 
"Western Reserve" in Ohio which has contributed so much of population 
and intelligence to his adopted State, and from a parentage mai'ked by 
strength of character, and by a certain hospitality and largeness of nature. 
Born at Franklin Mill, in Portage County, Ohio, December 27. 1831, he 
resided at Clevchiud in that State from an early age until 1846, when he 
came to Wisconsin, and, witli the otiier members of his father's family, 
shortly after found a home at Madison, the beautiful capital of that State. 
Soon the newly-discovered gold region of California attracted enterprising 
spirits, and the re.stless energy of the youth of seventeen drove him to 
the land of promise. In March 1849, with an ox team, he started from 
Madison, in company with others from that vicinity, for a journey across 
the Plains. He remained in California until the summer of 1855, most 
of the period being spent in the mountains, leading the hard and rough 
life of a miner, whose severe toils finally yielded him a reasonable degree 
of financial success. Various business occupied his attention after his 
return to Madison, in 1855, until the fall of 1868, when as the Demo- 
cratic-candidate, he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court for his County. 
The duties of this office he discharged with great acceptance, his prompti- 
tude, energy and business habits being no less conspicuous than liis cour- 
tesy towards attorneys and others doing business in the Court. In the 
autumn of 18G0 he was admitted to the Bar. 

In the spring of 1861, after the surrender of Fort Sumter, the sub- 
ject of this sketch was one of the first who hastened to the defense of an 
imperrilled country. He enlisted promptly as a private in the "Gover- 
nor's Guard," a well-known independent company of Madison, which was 
among the first to tender its services under the President's first call for 
three months' troops. Elected captain of this company, which was as- 
signed as Company K to the First (three months) Regiment of Wiscon- 
sin Volunteers, he declined the position of lieutenant colonel, oflfered him 
by Gov. Randall, not feeling himself qualified by military knowledge or 
training for that office. The Regiment served its three months, from 
June 0, 1861, in Eastern Virginia, where, on the 3d of July, it skirmish- 



Biography. 105 

ed at Falling Waters with a part of Joe Johnson's force — a skirmish re- 
membered only as one of the earliest of the war, and the first in which 
Wisconsin troops were engaged. In August, 1861, President Lincoln 
appointed Fairchild captain in the l6th Regulars, and about the same 
time he received from Gov. Randall a commission as Major in the 2d 
Wisconsin Infantry, which had been in the battle of Bull Run, and was 
then in Washington. Accepting both appointments, he was the first offi- 
cer of the regular army to receive a leave of absence to serve with a vol- 
unteer regiment. Shortly after, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of 
the same regim.ent, having declined the colonelcy of another, tendered 
him by Gov. Randall Col. O'Connor of the Second being in poor health, 
Lieut. Col. Fairchild commanded the regiment most of the time. It ra- 
pidly improved in discipline and eflSiciency, and acquired the reputation 
of being one of the best regiments in the service. With the 6th and 7th 
Wisconsin, and 19th Indiana, it formed a brigade first commanded by 
Gen. Rufus King of Wisconsin, and which afterward, under Gibbon, won 
an enviable fame. As a part of the First Division of the First Corps, it 
took part in nearly all the great battles and campaigns of the Eastern army, 
except those of the Peninsula, under McCIellan. To write its history 
would be almost to write the history of the war in Virginia. In 18&2 
they participated in the movement on Manasses, and subsequently formed 
a part of the Army of the Rappahannock under Gen. McDowell. After 
spending some months, first in the neighborhood ot Fredricksburg, and 
then in the abortive attempt to intercept Stonewall Jackson in his retreat 
from the Shenandoah A'alley, they were sent, late in July, to feel the 
enemy gathering in front of Gen. Pope, and after a successful skirmish, 
aud a march of eighty milc.<-' in three days, returned to their camp at 
Falmouth. Engaged during the early part of August in supporting a 
successful movement for cutting the Virginia Central railroad, in the 
course of which duty they repulsed and drove Stuart's rebel cavalry. 
They had hardly obtained a couple of days repose before they were called 
to take part in the movement of the army of Virginia, under Pope, which 
had just fought the battle of Cedar Mountain. Retiring with that army 
they had successive skirmishes with the enemy at Beverly Ford on the 
l9th, and at White Springs on the 28th of August. On the evening of 
28th, while moving from Gainesville along the Warrenton road towards 
Centreville, this brigade enoountered elackson's famoiis division, (which 
was moving westward from Centreville to form a junction with liongj 
street, ) and fought it single-handed for an hour and a half. It was per- 
haps in this battle, (known as that of Gainesville,) that Gibbon's brigade 
won the' proud title of "The Iron Brigade of the West." While march 
iag by the flank, the 2nd Wisconsin in advance, it was attacked by 



lOO BiOQUAPny. 

Battery posted on a wooded eminence, which was situated on tlie left. 
Advancing promjJtly upon the battery, it encountered the rebel infantry 
emerging from the woods. Here for about fifteen or twenty minutes, 
while awaiting the arrival of the rest of the brigade, it is said that this 
regiment sustained and checked the outset of the whole of Jackson's bri- 
gade. The other regiments came rapidly up, while the enemy was also 
reinforced by at least one additional brigade, and in this unequal contest 
Gibbon's command maintained their ground, until, at nine o'clock, dark- 
ness put an end to one of the fiercest eonflicts ef the war. Most of the 
time, Gren. Gibbons states, the combatants were not more than seventy- 
five yards apart. Here Col. O'Connor fell mortally wounded, and Lieut. 
Col. Fairchild had his horse shot from under him. His regiment, which 
went into the fight with only four hundred and forty-nine men, lost more 
than half of them, killed or wounded. During the next few days oc- 
curred the second battle of Bull Run, where lack of harmony and com- 
bined eifort on the part of our military leadevs resulted in a retreat of our 
exhausted and discouraged forces at the end of the second day, while 
troops enough to have secured an easy victory lay within easy reach of 
the battle-field. The Iron Brigade, being in McDowell's corps, did not 
reach the scene of battle until near the close of the first day. The next 
day the 2d, being reduced by battle and sickness to 150 muskets, was 
temporarily consolidated with the 7th Wisconsin, and took part in the fight 
on the right wing, under the command of Lt. Col. Fairchild, all the other 
field oflicers of both i-ogiments being either killed or wounded. Upon the 
failure of the left to hold its ground, compelling the whole force to with- 
draw, "Gibbon's Brigade writes an eye witness, "covered the rear, not 
leaviag the field until after nine o'lock at night, gathering up the stragg- 
lers as they marched, and presenting such an unbroken front that the 
ene<ny made no attempt to molest them." Lieut. Col. Fairchild's regi- 
ment was the extreme rear, and himself tlie last man to leave the field, 
and cross the stone bridge. Soon after, he was made Col. of the Second, 
to date from August the 20th. 

In the battle of South Mountain, on the 14th of September following 
where the Iron Brigade so gallantly carried the strong centre of the 
enemy at Turner's (iap. Col. Fairchild was in command of his own regi- 
ment. Detained in hospital by sickness during some of the subsequent 
days, he was unable to return to the field until the latter part of the day 
of the great battle of Antietam on the iGth, where his regiment lost 
ninety-one of the one hundred and fifty men engaged. It was after these 
Lwo battles that Gen. MeClellan declared these "equal to the best troops 
in any army in the world." 

After taking an active part in tlie unfortunate battle of Fredericks- 



Biography. 107 

burg under Burnside and the subsequent "Mud Campaign," Col. Fair- 
child, with men of his own and other regiments, made two successful ex- 
peditions down the Potomac in February and March, lS63, gathering up 
horses, mules, contrabands, provisions and prisoners. When the Army 
of the Potomac, under Hooker, advanced to the unfortunate field of 
Chancellorsville, the Iron Brigade, (to which had been added the 24th 
Michigan, and which, even then numbered only 3,500, crossed the Hap- 
pahannock, at Fitz Hugh's Crossing, in pontoon boats under a galling 
fire; and then, charging up the heights, carried the rebel rifle pits by 
storm, capturing about 200 prisoners, thus rendering it possible to lay 
the pontoon bridges. Arriving at the battle-ground near Chancellorsville 
early on the morning of May the 3d, Col. Fairchild was called by Gren. 
Wadsworth, his Division commander to serve on his staif, and did so. At 
Gettysburg, as the Iron Brigade, early on the first day of the battle, 
engaged in the desperate conflict on Seminary Ridge, the 2d Wisconsin 
in the advance, lost, in less than half an hour, ll6 of the 300 men en- 
gaged ; and there Col. Fairchild fell, with his left arm shattered so that 
amputation near the shoulder became necessary. From the Seminary at 
Gettysburg, (extemporized into a hospital) he was transferred to the 
home of the excellent Professor Sehaffer, in the village, where he received 
the tenderest care and nursing. By means of this, with skillful surgical 
attention, and the strength of his constitution, he recovered sufiiciently to 
return home. While thus recruiting his health, with the desire an:l in- 
tention of rejoining the army, (having been recommended by all the 
Generals under whom he had served for appointment as a Brigadier-Gen- 
eral, ) the Union Convention of Wisconsin, much to his surprise, nomina- 
t-cd him, with great unanimity and enthusiasm, for the ofiiee of Secretary 
of State. A lifelong Democrat, the unqualified and earnest support he 
had rendered, both by word and deed, to the Government, the self devo- 
tion and passionate patriotism, rising above all personal and party views, 
which had marked his covirse from the commencement if hostilities, ren- 
dered him an object of eminent confidence and aifeetion on the part of 
those who tendered him the nomination. And, amid the perils which 
then seemed to encompass the Government, at the North as well as at 
the South, it was urged upon him by influential personal friends, that ia 
his disabled condition, he could serve the National cause more eff"ectiveiy 
by accepting the nomination than in any other way. Having been appoin- 
ted Brigadier General, he resigned that position and his rank in the regu- 
lar army, and was elected Secretary of State. After serving in that 
ofiiee with eminent acceptance for two years, he was, in l865, nominated, 
without opposition in the Republican t'nion Convention, for Governor. 
His inaugural address, in January, 1866, outlined, in a bold emphati</ 
manner, the conditions on which alone the recently rebellious states 



10^ Biography. 

should, iu his judgment be allowed to resume their functions in the 

Union. Whether his views were correct, it is not the office of this article 

to consider ; but certainly the leading ideas of that "reconstruction 

policy" which Gougress has since sought to enforce, have seldoni been dc- 

liniated, or their necessity urged iu a more clear, vigorous and compact 
manner. 

The duties of his office have ])een performed by Grov. Fairchild in a 
manner entirely to the satisfaction of the people, excepting of course the 
part}' opposition evoked by his views on national affairs. The briefest 
account of his gubernatorial career must not omit to mention the intelli- 
gent earnestness and zeal with which he has sought to promote the edu- 
cational interests of the State. He has devoted an unusual portion of his 
time to the personal visitation of penal, reformatory, benevolent and edu- 
cational institutions of his own State. When travelling bejond its 
limit he has endeavored to make himself acquainted with like institutions 
in other States, that he might learn wliat improvements were practicable 
at home. He has repeatedly urged the establishment of an additional 
State school, viz : one for the education of the feedle-niinded ; and in 
all the existing institution his presence is ever welcomed by officers and 
inmates as that of a friend. In 1867 he was renominated without oppo- 
sition, and re-elected and is now serving his second term. At Chicago, 
during the last sunnner, he was called upon to preside over tlie delibera- 
tion of the National Soldiers' and Sailor's Convention. 

Such, in outline, is the career of a man who, at tlie age of thirty- 
.seven, has filled for two years the second, and for three years the first 
Executive office in his State. 

The following deliniation of character has been taken from a wiiter 
who is intimately acquainted with Grovernor Fairchild. I have no doubt 
but that the description is correct. In my biographical sketches, I only 
state facts, but do not pledge myself to approve or disapprove of the po- 
litical views of any individual about whom I write In every state of the 
Union there are, and ever wall be, two political parties opposed to each 
other. This state of things is good for the people ; as one party will 
keep the other in check. If the executive in office administers justice, 
no fault can be found with him by either party. (Jovernor Fairchild has 
been and is, a strong supporter of his party, but in his administration of 
the laws, which govern the people, he knows no political party, and only 
"onsults the general interests of the State. 

It i.s impossiljle to describe iu words a human face so that one who 
has never seen it can form any definite idea of it. The description may 
be true but it fails to express the very things which make the face difFcr- 
( i'it from every other. Equally impossible is it to delineate in words a 
human charactar so that a strangrer shall form a true notion of it. The 



BlOGKAPilY. 109 

nicest analyst (if mind and soul, and th« most vivid word-painter, will 
probably feel the most keecl}^ that he has failed in the attempt. The 
subtle aroma of individuality escapes in the effort. Yet, as this sketch 
of a life would be thought incomplete without some attempt to describe 
the man, we will try it. With blue eyes, light hair, and a light com- 
plexion, and a face, manner and voice indicating decision and character 
so plainly that no man can mistake, with a frame of medium size, but 
firmly knit, active and powerful ; with a mind not so much addicted to 
letters or learning as to the strenuous activities of public or private busi- 
ness, yet actuated by a genuine respect for literature, art and science, 
and those whose tastes tend to their cultivation ; not given to subtle 
speculations, but simple, clear, just and decided in his general views of 
men and things ; direct and positive of speech, and at times, especially 
when busy, curt, and with a soldierly bluntiness which men do not dis- 
like ; destitute of all cant and afi'ectation, and entirely free from the de- 
ceptive arts of the demogogue : unfit for diplomacy, as diplomacy is gen- 
erally understood, and entirely unqualified for any position in the circum- 
locution office ; happy and conferring happiness in his domestic relations, 
displaying in his own home a simple and hearty hospitality,* with a dis- 
like for mere conventionalities, which comes to him by inheritance ; a 
stanch friend, and, ivhen called upon to be an enemy, as free from ma- 
lignity as from concealment and fear, a good neighbor, and good citizen ; 
quick to .sympathize with misfortune in practical way?, and to help for- 
ward generous thoughts and plans ; not a member of any christian church, 
but with advancing years and experience of the struggle and discipline 
of life, a more and more earnest believer in those grand ideas of Divine 
beneficence and human duty on which he understands Christianity to be 
based ; a true Democrat ; a radical believer in giving to all men the best 
chance that society can give ; thoroughly patriotic , with marked execu- 
tive ability ; intelligent, prompt, energetic and incoruptible in the dis- 
charge of public duty — such, if we understand him, is tiie man before us. 
Whether he shall hereafter be called to serve the commonwealth in pub- 
lic position, or amid the throng of eager aspirants for office, he shall find 
that for him "the post of honor is the private station," he has done and 
suffered too much, and in doing and suffering has made himself too much 
of a man, ever to be less than a distinguished and honored citizen of the 
State whose annals he has adorned in war and peace, and of the country 
he has helped to save. 



*) If hospitality and ctlier good social qualities *re heridatarjf, Governor Fair- 
child pesgesses them in a high degree, as his father was known to be kind, open- 
hearte.'l, generous and hospitable, to which (jualities the author of this work can 
bear testimony, having enjoyed the friendship of that eatimable gentleman and 
partaken of his hospitality. 



JAMES LTlDINtMON 



eame to Milwaukee in 1843, and has ever since been identified with the 
interests of the City and the State. He is the son of the late Lewis Lud- 
ington, of Carmel, N. Y., who established the Mercantile Establishmeut 
of Ludington, Birchard & Co., on the corner of East "Water and Wiscon- 
sin streets, in 1 838. This store was well known to the early settlers as 
the "old corner store", and was carried on successfully by members of 
the Ludington family for about twenty years, when the wooden building, 
in which the business was conducted and which was built by Solomon 
Juneau gave place to the brick edifice now known as "Ludington's Block." 

James Ludington was born at Carmel, N. Y., April 17. 1827, and 
was consequently but a lad when he came to Wisconsin. He was for 
several years a clerk in the Old Corner Store, and finally became one of 
the proprietors. He early exhibited a spirit of enterprise, and while still 
concerned in trade at Milwaukee, he laid out, in connection with Gr. W. 
Chapman, of Milwaukee, an addition to Whitewater which is now the 
handsomest part of that very handsome inland village. About the same 
time, also in connection with Mr. Chapman, he purchased the Beaverdam 
Mills at Beaverdam, Wisconsin ; which in connection with that gentle- 
man and afterwards with Greorge Smith, now of Watcrtown, he operated 
very sucessfully for about sixteen years. 

Lil854, in connection with Mr. Chapman and James E. Kelly, of 
Croton Falls, N. Y., he organized the Bank of the West, at Madison, un- 
der the General Banking law of Wisconsin, then recently enacted, of 
which he was president. It was while carrying on the Bank of the West 
that he took up, by purchase from the Commissioners, all the School 
Lauds then in market in Wisconsin ; a transaction of great notariety at 
the time (1854) though now nearly forgotten, and which was used by 
politicians much to the prejudice of the administration of Mr. Barstow, 
then Governor of Wisconsin. This purchase, which never resulted in 
any profit to Mr. Ludington and his associates, (the lands being chiefly 
remnants out of which selections had been made for years) and which 
was denominated, for effect, the "Great School Land Swindle", was in- 
deed one of the best things that could happen for the benefit of the State 
School Fund. It drew the attention of purchasers and immigrants from 
all parts of the country to the School Lands of Wisconsin ; and thereafter, 
as fast as oew lauds were put in market by the Commissioners, they were 



BlOGKAPIIY. Ill 

eagerly taken, and the School Fund then became established on a firm 
basis. It is safe to say that were it not for this purchase of Mr. Liid- 
ington, which was so clamorously condemned at the time, the School 
Fund of Wisconsin would not now amount to one half its present sum. 

During all this time the mercantile firm at the Old Corner Store had 
been engaged, to a greater or less extent, in the lumber business, and 
had been building and operating mills both in Wisconsin and Michigan, 
on the shores of Lake Michigan and Grreen Bay ; and it was to this im- 
portant and growing interest that Mr. Ludington's attention was to be 
chiefly directed in future, and in which the experience he had acquired 
was to tell with the most marked effect. 

lu 1859 Mr. Ludington made his first purchase of pine lands and 
mills at Pere Marquette, Michigan, in company with Col. John M. Loo- 
mis, of Chicago. Impressed with the facilities afforded by that point for 
extended operations in the lumber trade, he continued to increase his in- 
terest there, by expenditures in the improvement of his mills and the 
constant acquisition of additional pine lands ; giving employment and 
support in their operations to hundreds of men and their families, and in 
1867, laid out the town of Ludington, now one of the most flourishinr^ 
villages in Western Michigan. At length, in the summer of 1869, he 
having in the meantime purchased the interest of Col. Loomis; this 
property had so inereased in amount and value that Mr. Ludino-ton ef- 
fected a sale thereof to the Pere Marquette Lumber Company for the 
handsome sum of five hundred thousand dollars. This sale included the 
unsold lots in the town of Ludington, the mills and about twenty-five 
thousand acres of pine lands, besides personal property, &c. 

The following extracts from the Mason County Record, a newspaper 
published at the village of Ludington, serve in some degree to show how 
Mr. Ludington is regarded in the locality of his most extensive opera- 
tions of the last few years : 

The following article copied from a paper published in the town of 
Ludington will show what a generous patron Mr. Ludington has proved 
himself to be by the town founded by himself: 

"While we feel well pleased with the sale and everything connected 
therewith, which looks toward the good of our village, we cannot forget 
its founder, Mr. James Ludington, who has always taken such a deep 
interest in the welfare and prosperity of the village, and the interests of 
the entire country. But few, of course, have any conception of what it 
is to carry on such a vast business as Mr. Ludington has had to do, and 
at the same time build a town of nearly one thousand inhabitants in two 
years. Other facts, also, connected with the good of our village and 
which have not appeared very prominent to the world, have just begun 



112 BlOGRAI'HY. 

to developo themselves, and Mr. Ludington has not neglected to use his 
great influence to secure handsome appropriations from the government 
for our harbor, and now last, but not least, he has secured a railroad, and 
we are very proud to be able to tender him the thanks of our entire com- 
munity for the indomitable energy always shown in this respect. And 
while he has not neglected our greatest interests, he has also not been 
unmindful of our minor necessities, but has rendered every assistance to 
those seeking homes in our midst, as to secure to each and every one com- 
fortable homes and the necessaries of life. Bridges and roads have been 
built by his money, and everything to develop the resources of tlie coun- 
try have always found him ready to aid and assist it." 

Mr, Ludington's generosity may be further proved by tlie donation 
of a handsome organ to the Congregational Church of the village bearing 
his name. He also gave two valuable lots for a Catholic Church in 
Whitewater, Wisconsin, two years ago, ])esides numerous other donations 
for Church purposes in various parts of the State at different times. He 
is now engaged in building a railroad from Milwaukee to Green Bay in 
company with other gentlemen. 

These facts bear stronger testimony to the general character of the 
subject of this brief sketch, than any thing that might be written by his 
biographer, however desirous he may be to do common justice to a gen- 
tleman known to him for over twenty years. Officially recorded facts are 
stronger than the evidence of an old friend who may be suspected of par- 
tiality, notwithstanding his firm determination to state nothing but truth. 
Fiftteen years ago, Mr. Ludington's biographer foretold what a position he 
was destined to fill, as a citizen in more mature years, and his general 
career since and his present position have fulfilled the prediction to the 
letter. 

^Iv. Ludington served as alderman and supervisor frem the Fourth 
Ward of Milwaukee under the administrations of Mayors Kilbourn and 
Cross; and also filled the offices of director of railroads, banks and 
insurance companies, and always with credit to himself and to the advan- 
tage of the interests he represented. 





SAMUEL BROWN, 

President of the "Old Settlers' Cluij. 



The subject of the following sketch was born at Belcherstown, Hamp- 
shire County, Mass., January 6t]\, 1804. His father died when Samuel 
was but nine years old, which left him but little chance of receiving much 
education. 

He commenced early in life to work on a farm till he was eighteen 
years old, when he commenced to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner, 
at which he worked for several years. In 1830 or l831, he joined a 
colony that was located at Bee Grove, now called Princeton, 111. 

Having left his native state in the fall of 1831, he set out to locate 
liimself at his new home in the West, but having got as far as St. Joseph, 
Michigan, he had to halt, being unable to proceed farther by reason of 
the severity of the winter, which by this time had set in. The Indian 
war having commenced in the Spring of 1832, he was obliged to remain 
in Michigan for nearly two years, during which time he was employed in 
building some of the first houses in St. Joseph. In August 1833, Mr. 
Brown took his departure from St. Joseph to Chicago, where he remain- 
ed for some time to witness the treaty made with the Indians, which took 
place in the month of September following. Being urged to commence 
business in Chicago on his own account, he did so, and succeeded in put- 
ting up some d^" the first buildings there. He built the Tremont House 
for our fellow citizen, Alanson Sweet, in the Spring of 1834, and came 
to Milv/aukee the following December, where he made a claim, and built 
himself a log house, and brought his family in the spring of 1835, bein^- 
the first American family that located in Milwaukee. Soon after his ar- 
rival in Milwaukee, he built a warehouse for Solomon Juneau, the foun- 
der of the city, on the corner of Wisconsin and East Water Street, where 
the Ludington brick block now stands. The scarcity of men then in and 
about Milwaukee, may be judged from the fact, that the builder had to 
pick up all the men he could find ia the county, and all the hands com- 
prising the crews of three vessels that lay in the bay, with all their tackles 
and ropes to assist him to raise the building.. In the fall and winter of 
1835 and spring of 1836, the subject of this sketch built the Old Milwau- 
kee House on the corner of what is now called Broadway and Wisconsin 
Street, and continued to practice his business for a few years, when he 
gradually declined to take more work, his own business reqmring his 

8 



12^ ElOGKAPnY. 

personal attendance more and more every succeeding year, till he loca- 
ted himself on the farm where his house now stands, nerer expecting to 
be brought within the precincts of the city. But a short time works won - 
deiB in this new Western World. In the biographer's own time, won- 
derful changes have taken place in Milwaukee. When he came here w 
March, 1 840, Mr. Brown's farm and residence might be seen in the distance, 
bearing North West from tlie city, but now you must walk on the side- 
walk till you come to a comfortable residence on Fond du Lac Avenue, 
number 1814 where you shall read. Samuel Brown, a name from the en- 
terprise energy, and perseverance, of the man that bears it, which can- 
not be forgotten so long as the biographical history of Wisconsin shall 
fill a place in the archives of the State. The names of the old landmarks 
of the State should never be forgotten. 



E. B. WOLGOTT 

was born in the township of Benton in Yates County, New York, near 
the village of Pennyan on the 18th day of October 1804. Having re- 
ceived a good academical education he commenced the study of medicuic 
at the age of eighteen, and received his diploma at the age of twenty- 
»ne, giving him legitimate power to practice as doctor and surgeon. 

' He subsequently graduated at the College of Physicians and Surges. . 
in 1833 In 1835, he made application to the War Department lor ^ 
position on the Medical Staff of the army ; was ordered before an Examir, 
U Board in New York, and after having passed his examination waa 
commissioned by Andrew Jackson, President of the 'United States of 
America, July 1st 183G. The Doctor continued in the serrice till lbo», 
when he' resigned, and came to Milwaukee to reside. 

In the beginning of the late war. Doctor Wolcott was cunnaissioned 

Surgeon General of the State of Wisconsin by Governor ilandall, und 

has continued in office through all administrations since In 1^67 the 

Doctor succeeded Hon. George Walker, as manager ot the National 

Asvlum for dissabled volunteer soldiers, and as resident manager, lias 

directed all the improvements at that institution under the general di- 

rcction of the Board, ■c.rA is still in the discharge of the duties as mana. 

.er Eminent for his professional skill, as a physician and surgeon, the 

tubiect of this brief sketch is kind in disposition, gentle m manner, and 

inauisitive with the view to ascertain the disease and its producing cau«e, 

which laudable qualities in a physician sometimes do more to restore the 

patient to health, by inspiring him with hope, confidence, and courage, 

than the most copious use of medicine. 



JOHN NAZRO. 



The subject of this biographical sketch, was born at Cape Hayti, 
in the Island of Hayti. His father was a native of Massachusetts, \iu 
mother of New Jersey. At the time of John's birth, on the 9th of De- 
I'crabcx-, 1826, his father was a resident merchant at Cape Hayti. From 
his infancy, John Nazro resided at Boston, Mass., till 1847, when he 
emigrated to the State of Wisconsin and settled at Milwaukee, where he 
still resides, doing extensive business as a merchant in the Hardware 
trade. 

Mr. Nazro was educated in the Boston Grammar School, where he 
distinguished himself as one of the Franklin model sholars. He finished 
his English education in the High School of Boston, where Students are 
prepared for commercial and scientific pursuits. Thus prepared by edu- 
cation, he entered the counting room of one of the first commercia 
houses of Boston at the age of fifteen, and at twenty came to Milwaukee, 
where he commenced business on his own account at the age of twenty- 
one, and is now the proprietor of one of the most extensive and respect- 
able business houses of the Northwest. 

Mr. Nazro has been always successful and passed through all the. 
commercial difficulties that have taken place, from time to time, triumph- 
antly. He has uniformly declined accepting any political position, many 
of which liave been tendered him. He has occupied various positions of 
honor and trust — was President of the Merchants' Association —President 
of the Young Men's Library Association — President of the Milwaukee 

Musical Society — President of the Milwaukee and Rockford R. R. Co. 

Vice President of the Farmers' and Millers' Bank. 





PIoN. ANDRE \YGALBRAITH MILLER 

was born in Carlisle in Pennsylvania on the 18th day of September 1801. 
He graduated at Washington College in September 1819, entered the 
law office of Andrew Caruthers in his native place in October following, 
and was admitted to the bar in November, 1822. He practiced his pro- 
fession in his native county of Cumberland and the adjoining countieg 
and in the Superior Court of the State of Pennsylvania until hia appoint- 
ment to the office of associate judge of the Territory of Wisconsin in No- 



Il6 BlOCRAI'HV. 

vember ls8S. He held that office until the admission of the State of 
Wisconsin into tlie Union, and in June 1845, he was appointed Judge of 
the District Court of the United States for the District of Wisconsin. 

Were it not contrary to the biographer's plan, to write geuealogien. 
he might state that Judge Miller is descended fi-om a race among whom 
may bo found men, who, in their day, occupied positions of high honor 
and trust; but he prefers rather to conclude this brief sketch by stating 
that the Iiigh legal knowledge and strict sense of justice, which have sw 
long distinguished the character of Hon. Andrew (ralbraitli Miller, tvs u 
model judge, will long remain on the pages of \Viscon.«!in liistuiy, as wor- 
thy of imitation. 

Note. .Judge Miller is an old settler, lie mtaiilests an ju-dent desire to collect 
»nd pi eserve the history ol" the membei-s compo8ing the Old Settlers' Club, befope 
whom hi T'cad Ji paper ob the 4th day ol" Jn\y 1870, which i.s pviblisheu in piimphlet 
form. 



Hon. WILLIAM PITT LYNDE 

of Milwaukee, was born in the town of Sherburne, Chenango County, 
New York, December, 10th I8l7 ; graduated at Yale College in 183S ; 
is by profession a lawyer. He came to Wisconsin in the spring of 1841, 
and settled at Milwaukee. In 1844, he was appointed by Governor Tall- 
madge, Attorney General of the Territory, which position he held until 
June 1845, when he was appointed by President Polk, U. S. District 
Attorney of Wisconsin, which position he held until the admission of the 
State into the Union. In May 1848, he was elected representative in 
Congress for the first District, and was an unsuccessful candidate for r< - 
election, Charles Durkee, Free Soil candidate, being chosen. In 1S5'J 
was an unsuceessful candidate for Justice of the Supreme Court, against 
Byron Payne. In the spring of i860 was elected Mayor of Milwaukee : 
was a member of the Assembly from the 2nd Ward of Milwaukee, in 
1866, and was elected to the Senate from the 5th District, iu IS68. 

In all these positions, Mr. Lynde discharged all the duties required 
of him witli ability and to tlie full satisfaction of the people, proving 
himself to be incorruptable and entirely free from selfish \iews. consult- 
ing only the interest of the people. 

Mr. Lynde is a gentleman of mild and unassuming manner, ;t si>uni{ 
lawyer and honorable in every relation of life. 





WILLIAM AUGUSTUS PRENTISS 

of Milwaukee, was born at Northfield, Franklin County, State of Massa- 
chusetts on the 24th day of March A. D. 1 800, served a regular appren- 
ticeship at the Mercantile business in his native place, and removed to 



Biography. 117 

ihe State of Vennont iu the year 1 822, wliero he coutinucd to reside 
nearly fourteen years. 

While a resident of Vermont, was elected and continued a.s chair- 
raan of the Town Board of Selectmen for eight successive years, and was 
also elected a member of the State Legislature for the years 1829 and 
1830. Ill the month of June A. i». 1836, Mr. Prentiss removed to Mil- 
waukee, then containing less than five hundred permanent white iuhabi- 
Tant8, and has continued his residence at Milwaukee to the present time. 
In March 1837, a village corporation was organized on the East 
.'-ide of the River, whicli included all that portion of the City, now com- 
prising the First, Third and Seventh Wards, and at the first election 
M»-. Prentiss was chosen a member of the Board of Trustees, and wa^ 
continued as a member of that Board until the year 1839, when the West 
side village corporation was consolidated with the East side, and Mr. 
Pfentiss was elected and continued a member of the Board for several 
years» 

In April A. 1). 1837, Henry Dodge, the first Governor of the Ter- 
risory of Wisconsin, which then included the present States of Iowa and 
Minnesota, without solicitation on tlie part of Mr. Prentiss, sent him a 
commission as Justice of the Peace, and he officiated in that capacity 
until the year 1845. At the first election of members of the Territorial 
Legislature of Wisconsin after the organization of the Territory of Iowa. 
in the year 1838, Mr. Prentiss was elected a member of the upper 
branch of that body, for the term of four years, and was also elected one 
of the County Commissioners of Milwaukee County for three years, which 
then comprised the present counties of Waukesha, Jetl'erson. Dodge. 
Washington and Ozaukee. 

la 1846 the present city government was organized and Mr. Pren- 
tiss has been a member of the City Council for many years, also a mem- 
her of the Board of Supervisors of the County. Ho is now a member of 
tke City Common Council. 

Mr. Prentiss was also elected Mayor of the City in the year 1888, 
beating the Democratic Nominee by some twelve hundred votes. He 
was also elected, a member of the State Legislature from the Seventh 
Assembly District of Milwaukee for 1S67, and re-elected to the same 
t»flice for the year 18G8. 

Mr. Prentias has served so long and faithfully in the management 
of the financial aff'airs of the City of Milwaukee, that he should hold some 
position in the cooperation as long as he lives. Mr, Prentiss is one of 
the old settlers of Milwaukee whose interest he has never forsaken. 





GEOHaE B. GOODWIN, 

bom Dec. 18th 1834, Livingston Co., New York. Learned the printer's 
trade and prepared for College in Mt. Morris, N. Y., entered Genesee 
College, Lima, N. Y. in 1851, left the first term Senior year and entered 
Williams' College, Mass., in Senior year, remained one term and returned 
and graduated at Genessee College in 1851, studied law in Albany N. Y. 
and was admitted to practice in that State in 1856, started for Wisconsiu 
in spring of 1856, settled in Menasha, Winnebago Co., Wisconsin and 
practiced law there during eight years, was member of the Wisconsin 
Legislature in 1859 and I860. At the commencement of the rebellion, 
assisted in raising Company C of the lOth Infantry Regiment and Com- 
pany I of the '2lst. In 1863, in conjunction with Col. C. K. Pier of Fond 
du Lac and Maj. Wheeloek of Hartford, raised a regiment, was sent to 
Washington to put this regiment into service. Regiment could not 
then be received as an independent organization ; received from E. M. 
Stanton, Secretary of War the promise of being received as an indepen- 
dent organization at the first opportunity, was mustered into service of 
U. S. in command of 4 1 st Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers in June 1 864, 
did service in Georgia and in the department of the Mississippi until the 
Fall of 1864, term of service expired, was mustered out at Milwaukee, 
Wis. Moved to Milwaukee in summer of 1 865, practiced law, was placed 
upon Gov. Fairchild's Staff with rank of Colonel, was appointed U. S. 
Assessor in 1st District of Wisconsin in March 1870. Always a strong 
Republican, first vote cast for Freemont and last one for Gen. Grant, 
always engaged in political canvasses; during Fremont Campaign, spoke 
in all the northern countries in the state, stumped the state for Gen, 
Grant and was always a great admirer and strong supporter of Matt, H. 
Carpenter, present IT. S. Senator. 



DON. A. J. UPHAM. 



He was born in Windsor Co., Vermont in 1809, but not of Puritan 
origin His ancestors were persecuted by the Puritans of Connecticut ist 
the 17th century, and driven out of that colony in the depths of winter, 
and forced to find refuge in the wilds and among the mountains of Ver- 
rnont. 

He graduated at Union College, New York in 1830. under the 



Biography. 11» 

Presidency of that distinguished scholar and divine, the late Dr. Elipha- 
let Nott. He was assistant Professor of Mathematics for two years, in 
ihe University of Delaware, at Newark in that state. 

He studied law in the office of the late Gen. James Talmadge in 
the city of New York, and first commenced the practice in Wilmington, 
Delaware, where he was married. He removed to the then Territory of 
Wisconsin, in the spring of 1837, and was there admitted to the bar in 
the following fall. The settlement of Milwaukee had just commenced, 
the interior and central portions of the territory were not settled at all. 
Meacham had located at West Troy and old Jones had built a log hut at 
what is now Janesvillc. There were no stages, or even roads, and com- 
munication was on horseback and by following Indian trails. 

His first case was in the Supreme Court of the Territory, in which 
he was employed by the Hon (xeorge Read, now of Manitowoc, to bring 
a writ of error, and obtain an injunction from the Supreme Court, to 
Mop the sale of his property in Milwaukee. This was in December 1 837, 
the two eastern Judges, Frasier and Irwin, had gone East, and in order 
to get the writ allowed, it was necessary to visit Judge Dunn, who then 
lived at Elk Grove near Belmont, in the western part of the Territory. 
This he accomplished on horseback, by following the Indian trail to 
Jones' hut, on Rock river, then across the wild prairie to Sugar River 
Diggings, Hamilton Diggings, &c. to Elk Grove, but in returning he lost 
time in fording the rivers, and it became necessary to travel with a jaded 
horse from Sugar River to Milwaulcee, a distance of over lOO miles, in 
one day and two nights, in order to have the injunction served in time. 
But on entering, on the prairie at night, it was found to be on fire, the 
Indian trail had been burnt over, and no trace of it could be found. At 
midnight, and a days ride from any human habitation, he became lost on 
the prairie. The scene was sublime beyond description, the flames swel- 
ling up, and rising to the sky in every part of the horizon, as if the last 
final conflagration was at hand. The sky was partly obscured by clouds, 
and the North Star could not be seen, and here the young lawyer had 
use for his astronomy and the position of the stars to help him out of the 
difficulty. At times casseiopeia, and other constellations were visible, 
;ind by knowing their po.sitious in relation to the points of the compass, 
he was enabled to find his way back to Jones' hut on Rock River, and 
reach Milwaukee in time to stop the sale of his client's property. 

This was a kind of practice, of which the young lawyers, now-a-days, 
fiave no knowledge. 

Mr. Upham was a member of the Territorial Council, at its second ses- 
sion at Madison in 1840. He was President of the first Convention, 
which formed a Constitution for the State of Wisconsin. 



liiO Biography. 

He has been twice elected Mayor of the City of Milwaukee, and was 
appointed by the President, U. S. Attorney for the District of Wiscon- 
for the terra ending on the fourth of March in 1861. 

Mr. Upham is one of the old settlers of the state, and his biography 
will be read with considerable interest, especially by iiis follow pioneers. 





The late Hon. CHARLES QIJENTIN, 

of Milwaukee, was born in Prussia in 1811. Studied law aud (tcoupied 
many prominent judicial jio.sitious, his government frequently requiring 
his advice in financial and oommercial matters, and for such purposes he 
was sent to Prussia, England and Franee ; was deputized as Commission- 
er for his government at the first VV'orld's Exhibition in I.K>ndon and 
Paris. 

After the reaction having taken place in 1849, his sense of indepen- 
dence induced him to quit the Prussian service and come to America, 
where he arrived in 1851. Having travelled over the Northwestern 
states in ([uest of a home, he finally settled in Milwaukee. In 1H&), he 
was elected State Senator, and in 18GI was appointed commissioner of 
the Public Debt 



Hon. JAMES S. BROWN 

was born in Hampden, Maine, February 1824 ; removed to Cincinnati, 
Ohio, in 1840, where ho studied law; and in 1844 took up his residence 
in Milwaukee, Wisconsiii. In 1845, he was chosen Prosecutive Attorney 
for Milwaukee County- in 1848 was elected Attorney General of the 
State of Wisconsin — in 18(il was elected Mayor of Milwaukee — aHd in 
1862 was elected a Representative from Wisconsin to the thirty-ciglith 
Congress, serving on the committee of Elections. For so young a man, 
Mr. Brown has occupied many positions of honor, the duties of every 
one of which, ho has discharged with considerable ability, and to thf^ en- 
tire satisfaction of his constituents. 



FERDINAND KUEHN 



was born in the old City of Augsburg in Bavaria in 1821, where h\- rc- 
«eived a good education — was apprenticed a clerk in a banking house in 
Switzerland. Attracted by the free institutions of the United States, he 
gave up a good situation and emigrated to Wisconsin in 1844; and settled 
JB Washington County as a farmer, with scarcely any means of subsistence 



Biography, 121 

a»tl therefore underwent all the hardships of a pioneer life. Early in 
1846, he settled in Milwaukee, where he learned cigar making to earn a 
living. In 1849, he was appointed clerk in the city treasurer's office 
aader Charles Geisberg, where he remained discharging the duty of depu- 
ty till he was elected treasurer in 1855, and was re-elected in 1856. 
Declining a re-nomination, he associated himself in 1856 with Charles 
Quentin in conducting real estate business, and taking charge of the 
property of non-residents. In 1856 and 1857, he was elected alderman 
for the sixth Ward, and was acting as chairman of the finance committee 
during the eventful crises of 1857. In 1858, he was appointed school 
commissioner and in 1860, Comptroller of the City of Milwaukee. Hav- 
ing discharged the duty of every office committed to his care with ability, 
a-nd to the general satisfaction of the tax-payer, he was re-elected to the 
said office for six consecutive years, without opposition , conclusively prov- 
ing his talent for business, and his honesty as a public officer. In 1S61 
under the able management of the commissioners of the public debt, com- 
{>08od of Alexander Mitcliell, Joshua Hathaway, Oharles Quentin and 
Hon. James 3. Brown, then Mayor of the city, the re-adjustment of the 
oity debt was put in operation, the Comptroller acting as secretary of 
.said board, and after four years of incessant labor a debt amounting to 
nearly three millions of dollars was satisfactorily arranged with tlie cred- 
itors of the city, and the re-adjustment generally pronounced a perfect 
H access. 

In 1866, the subjc^jf of this sketch retired from public life and coia- 
m<mced the real estate business and subsequently associated himself with 
GSiristiau Ott, formerly editor of the See Bote. 

In 1870, he gave up this business, and is now connected with fciie 
Flome Savings Bank of Milwaukee of which Institution, he has been eloc- 
fesS Vic€ Piesident 





.lOHN H. TE8CH 

was iwru in Prussia in 1828 and emigrated to America in 1839. ILj 
lived in Buffalo, State of New York, till 1841, when he came to settle in 
Milwaukee, where he has been engaged ever since in mercantile pursuitw, 
having been also the regular interpreter to the various courts in this dis- 
trict for the first ten or fifteen years. 

In 1859, Mr. Tesch, assisted by John Lockwood, Esq., was mainly 
instrumental in bringing to light, the disgraceful frauds committed oa 
ihe city by the city comptroller and the city clerk, whose names, for the 
sake of pity and mercy, the biographer forbears to mention. 

In 1860, the subject of this liistorical sketch was twice elected Cits^ 



122 BiOQKAPuy. 

Treasurer on the straight Republican Ticket, the only instance on the 
City records wherein an officer has been successful on such a Ticket. 

Mr. Tesch is a citizen of respectability, and deserves much praise 
lor the active part he took in ferretting out the frauds above alluded to, 
which ought to teach the electors a useful lesson, not to vote for any 
eandidate for city office, whose antecedents would uot bear scrutiny. He 
who is not honest in his dealings, as a private citizen, can not safely be 
'rusted, when filling a public office. 





INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES. 

Onions are a very profitable crop in this State, which seems to be 
Tfell suited to their growth and perfection. I have seen onions of im- 
xaense size grown in many parts of the state, and as they arc in good de- 
mand, more attention should be paid to their cultivation. Cabbages and 
all its tribes pay well in all large towns throughout the state. It is not, 
however, a vegetable used at table, except among the Germans, who 
consume large quantities of it in a fermented state, called sour krouf. 
Melons, squash, tomatoes, &c., grow well in the open fields. Rhubarb 
ibrives well here also. 

Flax is a crop to which I am desirous to direct particular attention, 
on account of the variety of uses to which it may be applied, the profit it 
brings to the farmer and manufacturer, and the extensive field it opens 
up for industrial labor. It may be cultivated on lands of moderate fer- 
tility, but the produce will bo more abundant on soils distinguished for 
jrichness of quality, openness of texture, and absence of noxious weeds. 
It has been always considered a very exhausting crop, for which reason 
the soil requires to be highly manured. 

In Belgium, where flax is grown extensively, the ground is effectu- 
ally manured by copious applications in the liijuid form, Tlie presence 
of lime, in a caustic state, is unfavorable to the plant ; therefore, land 
reeently limed, should never be selected for its growth. Light clay loams 
are considered as well adapted to the flax plant. The great difficulty 
that ])resents itself in tlie cultivation of flax upon a large scale is the 
labor of steeping and dressing it fit for the market ; but I hope this dif- 
ficulty will be obriated by the application of a recent discovery which is 
gaining ground every day. Having stated before that the flax plant is 
very exhausting to the soil, it may be well to have it understood that, by 
j^roper management, it exercises no exhausting action whatever on the 
poil, as all the crop that is of any money value to the farmer is derived 



OF Wisconsin. l'^^ 

from the elements of the atmosphere, and the substances derived from tk^^ 
soil and manure are only employed by the plant in organizing those ma- 
terials which are absolutely valueless, and therefore generally thrown 
away. 

The steep-water and chaff of the scutched flax contain all the ma- 
terials taken from the soil and manure ; therefore, when after they 
are decomposed and returned to the soil, its fertility is restored. A 
knowledge of this fact has given rise to an economical system very gener- 
ally practised by industrious farmers, of securing all the steep-water, and 
spreading it on the surface of the land from which the crop had been ex- 
tracted, instead of allowing it to rnn to waste, and poison our rivers and 
infect the air. From a due sense of the importance of this agricultural 
branch of industry, the flax improvement society of Ireland have devoted, 
of late years, more than ordinary attention to the subject of growing and 
preparing flax on such improved principles, as to realize to the farmers 
who might embark in that department of husbandry a maximum profit, 
and the result of increased exertion, on the part of that useful and be- 
nevolent society, fully proves what can be done under more favorable 
circumstances in our state, which is, in every respect, well adapted to 
the growth of that fibrous article. Previous to the year 1846 the labors 
of that society were confined to the north of Ireland, a part of the coun- 
try long celebrated for its superior linen fabrics. But anxious to extend 
the sphere of its usefulness to the southern and western provinces, then 
[1847,] suffering under a visitation, which has no parallel in any age or 
nation of the world, the improvement society obtained a grant of £2000 
from the government, t%vcnty-two counties are in connection with it. 
Under the fostering care of that society, the quantity of land under flax 
cultivation has'increased from 23,866 acres in 1848, to 91,000 in 1850, 
and to 138,619 in 1851. The fearful condition of the country and the 
beneficial results of the previous grants, induced the government to assist 
the society with a sum of £1000 for three successive years, by which 
it was enabled to send out practical instructors througli the country to 
superintend the planting, pulling, steeping, and dressing of flax, which, 
from the ignorance of the farmers in the management ot that crop, was 
indispensable. 

The steeping of flax on the old system, requiring several days, and 
sometimes weeks, the improvement society enlisted the services of Mr. 
Schenck, of New York, who proposed to accomplish this process in 60 
hours, by means of water kept at a high temperature, and the manner in 
which he discharged his duty gained the unqualified approbation of those 
who engaged him. To carry out his plan, Mr. Schenck recommended 
retteries to be erected at various points for the convenience of the flax- 



124 Indusikial Resourck.'< 

growing districts, and now that geiitlomim'.s plan i.s in full operation in 
many parts of the kingdom. In 1851, i)0,88S tons of fibre were pro- 
duced from 138,019 acres of land, which at £45 per ton, would amount 
£1,637,460, to which may be added the value of the seed saved, amount- 
ing to £60.000, all making a total value of £1,700,000 realized in one 
year, from the produce of 138,619 acres, being £12,5 per a<-re, or about 
6l dollars. Should any of the numerous plans, now under trial, to con- 
vert the raw material, or rathei' the flax straw into a fabric fit for the 
^^pindle, on some more expeditious principle than is practiced at present, 
the cultivation of flax would be considerably extended, and the profits 
proportionably increased in Ireland. M'Claussen proposes to convert flax 
fibre into a material resembling cotton, and capable of being spun on cot- 
ton, flax, woolen, or silk machinery ; but having no better authority to 
recommend the plan than the confident rci)orts put forward by the public 
press, I can only say that if he accomplishes what he proposes, a new 
field will be opened for the application of industrial labor, vvhicli will ex- 
tend employment and yield remunerative profits to sucli a.s may em))ark 
in that particular branch of husbandry. 

There is one practice of long standing whicli ought to be abandoned 
io Ireland as well as elsewhere. Year after year the annual reports of 
the flax society have contained earnest recommendations, that the seed 
of the flax crop, instead of being rotted with the stems in the pools, 
should be taken off by rippling, to be employed for sowing, sold to the 
oil mills, or ased by farmers as food for live stock. These, after repea- 
ted recommendations have had the desired efl^oct, at least to a certain de- 
gree ; as about 8,000 bashels of rippled seed have been purchased at the 
Belfast oil mill, from a few districts iu the neighborhood of that town. A 
general neglect of this practice iu Ireland during the last year, with the 
above exception, has led to an actual loss on the quantity planted of 
£300,000, which, in a country like that, may be considered a deplorable 
neglect. The large quantities of linen fabrics from Ireland, imported 
into the United States must force upon us the necessity of growing flax 
sufficient for home use, at lea^st. With a soil fit for the cultivation of 
fiax, and free from yearly rents and taxes, except what arc necessary for 
the exigencies of the State, we ought not only to be able to keep Irish 
fabrics out of the market, but to undersell them in their own, as well as 
ia ail the English and Scotch markets. Want of cheap labor, and know- 
ledge to convert flax to its ultimate uses, will prevent successful compe- 
tition for many years to come. 

Besides the profit yielded to the farmer from a flax crop, there i.s no 
branch of human occupation that gives employment to a greater number 
at" individuals, and few departments of industry leave more profit, iu all 
ihfi fhajinels through which it passes. It is estimated, that to manufac- 



OK WiscoNsix. ri5 

ture IdO stones of flax requires 158 females for twelve months, in spia- 
ning . 1 ^ Aveavers for twelve months, in weaving ; and 40 women for 
needle-work, besides the number employed in pulling, steeping, scutching, 
bleaching, &c. A gentleman who had great experience in the business 
of flax-growing in Holland and Ireland, has commenced the growing of 
that article in Waukesha County, on a largo scale, and his practical 
IcnoM'ledge of that crop, in all its stages, will jdeld him a good income, if 
his capital and other resources are adequate. Mr. Galbraith will not 
only benefit himself, by realizing large profits, but will be the means of 
spreading a knowledge of the proper management of flax throughout the 
State, v.'hich cannot fail of proving highly useful. 

The" next subject to which 1 would wish to call. attention, is the 
cultivation of hemp, which is almost perfectly analogous to flax. It is 
by no means of such importance, as its use is limited to very few purposes 
Having stated a few facts relating to the money value of flax, as an 
agricultural crop, and to the vast amount of labor it affords, from the 
time the seed is committed to the ground till the fibre is actually made 
into garments, I shall next give the analysis of the different parts of the 
plant to bear me out in the assertion that by economizing the residual 
parts, whicli are generally converted to no useful pnrpose, the soil suffers 
no injury. A difiieulty presents itself to the enlargement of operations in 
both flax and hemp crops, which cannot be well obviated by individuals ; 
but under tlie advice and patronage of an Agricultural Society, every 
difficulty may be removed, and the business of flax and hemp-growing 
rendered one of the most productive operations the farmer could embark 
in. In order to understand the general bearing of the argument, that 
by proper management the flax crop is not au exhausting one, I subjoiu 
a tabic expressing numerically the eouiposition of the ligneous fibre which 
is composed of the same elements as starch and sugar : 

Carbon, 50.00 

Hydrogen. 5.55 

Oxygen, 44.45 



100.00 
Hence this libie, whicli is the part spun, comes entirely from the 
atmosphere. 

Flax plant. 
Carbon, oS.Tii 

Hydrogen, 7.33 

Nitrogen, 0,56 

Oxygen, 48.39 

Ashes, 5.00 

100.00 



18.41 


7.697 


22.850 


22.30 


9.78 


10.91 


19.186 




14.12 


9.82 


5.65 


8.213 


^ i 


4.59 


2.41 


18.37 


15.279 


16.383 


18.34 


12.33 


3.02 


5.446 


3.332 


393 


7.70 


2.36 


4.301 


1.523 


1.10 


o.oc 


1.44 


0.444 


0.43S 


0.72 


6.08 


trace 


trace 


trace 


trace 


trace 


9.6S 


5.280 


6.714 


6.83 


2.69 


11.06 


11.206 


11.802 


8.81 


10.84 


13.75 


20.599 


25.235 


16.38 


16.75 


5.33 


3.056 


3.056 


2.08 


21.35 



126 Indusxriai, Rbsourok.^ 

Composition of the ash of the stem of the flax plant. 

Potash. 

Soda, 

Chloride of sodium, 

Lime, 

Magnesia, 

Oxide of iron, 

^Muraina, 

Oxide of magnesia, 

Sulphuric acid, 

Phosphoric acid, 

Carbonic acid. 

Silica, 

Tobacco and hops are grown in this State in small (j^uantities. Botk 

would pay, especially hops. It is said that for some years the tobacco 
crop is falling off in the states celebrated for its growth, occasioned, it h 
supposed, by the exhaustion of the soil devoted to that crop. It is much 
to be reo^retted that so much land as is devoted to this article should be 
wasted on a weed which is not only useless, but absolutely injurious. 

The following facts are interesting, as indicating the rapid progress 
this State has made during the few years tliat have passed since the first 
white man took possession of it. There are at present 1,011,308 acre;? 
of land improved in Wisconsin, with farming implements and machinery 
worth $1,701,047 ; live stock worth $4,594,717 ; 4,292,208 bushels of 
wheat ; 1,984,378 bushels of Indian corn ; 768 pounds of tobacco ; 
143,065 lbs. of wool in 1850, and 353,000 lbs. in 1851. There were 
manufactured in the year 1850, 68 gallons of wine, 888,816 lbs. of but- 
ter ; 440,961 lbs. of cheese; 295,926 tons of hay; 661,969 lbs. of 
maple sugar ; 100 tons of hemj) were water rotted, and 834 bushels of 
flax seed saved. Our home-made manufacture amounted to $57,506. 
The importance of flax made into a material resembling cotton, is at once 
f^een from the immense consumption of the latter in different parts of the 
world. In Wiseonsin, where the wheat crop is so uncertain, the cultiva- 
tion of fabric of such general use is the more important. In 1851, Great 
Britain consumed 648 millions of pounds ; Kussia, Germany, Holland 
and Belgium, 118 millions ; France (including adjacent countries,) 14 
millions ; Spain and Mediterranean towns, 46 millions ; the countries 
bordering on the Adriatic, 45 millions ; I'nitcd States of North America, 
158 millions ; sundry other places, 11 millions : making in all 1175 nv 

lions of pounds. 

It may be of some value to persons coming to the west to know that 
plenty of wild hay can be obtained in many parts of tlie state, to gujiport 
their stock till they make artificial meadows. To the beaver they are 
indebted for many of the meadows thus prepared for them, several being 
the result of dams thrown up these thoughtful and provident animaU. 
These dams are visible in many parts of the state. 



CHAPTER VI. 



Having endeavored to establish the condition under which we find h\ 
this state two elements (fire and water) essential to the prosecution of a 
most important branch of Manufacturing Industry, I shall now proceed 
to prove that we stand in a position, as regards this branch of business, 
unequalled by any State of the Union. Hitherto we have confined our 
operations to the raising of minerals, in which this state is rich beyond 
comparison, and, possessing charcoal and water power almost without 
limit, the manufacture of these ores, with which the state abounds, must 
become a source of industrial wealth, calculated to raise Wisconsin 
to eminence among the States of the Union. In 1839, the lead region 
of Wisconsin produced 30 millions of pounds of lead, though worked un- 
der the disadvantage of insufficient capital and inadequate machinery ; alt 
Europe having produced that year no more than 131,700,000 pounds, of 
which Great Britain alone furnislied about three-fourths. 

The country surveyed by Dr. Owen, the well known (xeologist, em- 
braced an extent of ll,000 miles, which he represents, on the whole, to 
be one of the richest mineral regions yet known in the world, and capable 
of producing annually 150 millions of pounds, and giving employment to 
10,000 miners. Besides this inexhaustible treasure in lead, there are 
supplies of copper, iron and zinc ores. Some idea of the purity of the 
copper ore of Wisconsin may be formed from the fact mentioned by Dr. 
Owen that it yields from one-fifteenth to one-third more than the celebra- 
ted mines of Cornwall, in England. Independently of the mineral 
wealth of Wisconsin, Dr. Owen says that he knows of no country in the 
world with similar mineral resources, which can lay claim to a soil as 
fertile and as well adapted to the essential purposes of Agriculture." The 
situation and extent of the country containing mineral treasures lies 
nearly in equal portions on both sides of the Mississippi, between lati- 
tude 41 and 43 degrees, commencing at the mouth of the Rock River, 
and extending thence north, upwards of 100 miles to the Wisconsin 
River. The Lead region lies chiefly in Wisconsin, including about 62 
townships, or 2232 square miles. 

In the outline of the Geology of this State, I mean to dwell a little 
on the formation of the mineral districts. In this place, it is only neces- 
gary to mention that the mineral bearing rock is what is termed fey Eng- 



12.'^ Tndd.-^triai, Kksuurcks 

lisb Geologists scar limestone, and by Dr. Owen clifi' liiuestoiu'. Fvma 
the large quantity of magnesia it contain, I would term it magnesiao 
limcfetoue, which, perhaps, would render the name more general, the other 
two names being local ; scar limes-one signifying steep, rocky ; and clifi" 
having been adopted from the external character of the district, which 
imparts to the scenery a bold and romantic character. But as this eon- 
tains from 30 to 40 per cent, of magnesia, it is to all intents and purpo- 
ses magnesian limestone. " 

It may not be out of place to mention here that from this rock may 
be manufactured an}' required quantity of epsom salts, (sulphate of mag- 
nesia,) by the addition of sulphuric acid, which last might be manufac- 
tured at a cheap rate in Wisconsin It is a coincidence worthy of re- 
mark, as having a direct bearing on the exploration of mines, that the 
scar limestone of England (Phillips), and the cliff limestone of Wiscon- 
sin (Owen), contain more lead than all the other soils put together. 
When the cliiF limestone is fractured it presents a light greyish yellow 
color, passing occasionally into a brownish, or reddish yellow, especially 
when exposed to the weather. When viewed through the microscope, it 
appears to be made up of minute, rhomboidal crystals, disseminated over 
its surface ; but when seen with the naked eye, it appears sandy and 
granular. The fresh fracture exhibits a glistening lustre, and asub-erys- 
taline aspect. It is asserted by an experienced miner, regarding the 
metalliferous veins of Cornwall, that it is a rare circumstance, when a 
vein, which has been productive in one species of rock, continues rich 
long after it has entered into another, and this change is even remarked 
when the same rock becomes harder or softer, more slaty or more com- 
pact. Twe northern boundary of the Wisconsin lead region is nearly co- 
incident with the southern boundary line of the blue limestone, where it 
fairly emerges to the surface. When this lino is reached, no ore of im- 
portance has been discovered, which proves the correctness of the above 
assertion. "Hence it was very unlikely that the Wisconsin lead ore, so 
rich in the cliff limestone, should retain the same rich character in the 
blue limestone, even had the structure of this last been equall}'- adapted 
to the bearing of lead." 

The lead region of Wisconsin is almost exclusive confined to the 
south-west part of the cliff limestone formation. The upper beds, lying 
in the southern portion of the district, do not furnish productive veins of 



■■^) The practice of sonic Geologists in giving local name.'^, arbitrarily, to 
•minerals, is an injury to the science, tending to render what one man writes unin- 
telligible to an other equally well informed on the subject perhaps. In the above 
ease the English Geologists call a certain rock Scar limestone, Dr. Owen calls it 
Cliff limestone, and a third recommends to call it Magnesian limestone. This is a 
defeat in the nomenclature of the science which ought to be reminded by adopting 
one nomenclature, avoiding a diversity of names for the eanic rock or mineral. 



OP Wisconsin. 129 

ore. The crevices in the upper beds are less numorous, and either empty 
or filled with iron ore, or calcareous spar. The magaesian limestone that 
underlies the blue limestone and sandstone strata and comes to the 
extreme northeastern portion of the district is similar to the clifFlimestone 
in structure and composition, including its disposition to form vertical 
fissures, which might induce the expectation that it would be rich In lead 
ore. l>om all the reports that have been made of this lead-bearing 
region, all the valuable deposites that have been discovered were found 
imbedded in the recent deposites that overlie the cliff rock, or in the rents 
and fissures of that rock. These fissures vary from the thickness of a 
wafer to 30 or 50 foet, and many of them extend to an unknown depth. 
It is a curious fact that the fissures of productive lead ore run east and 
west. The rich veins seldom quarter. A regular vein half an inch thick, 
imbedded in a rock requiring to be blasted, will pay well, and where the 
crevice is filled with clay or loose rock, a vein of a quarter of an inch thick 
will pay for working it. In the neighborhood of Minerel Point and 
Dodgeville, veins rimning north and south are found to be productive in 
lead ore, which shows that the fore which produced these fishures is not 
restricted to any particular point. The downward iuclination of these 
crevices does not seem to be uniform. The entire crevice is not generally 
filled by the ore, which is commonly surrounded by clay or sand. 

Chrystaline carbonate of lime may be considered the veinstone or gauge 
of these lead mines. Lead is found in fissures from the size of a pea 
to a cube of one thousand pounds weight. The clay in which the oar is 
found imbedded is sometimes of a jet black color, owing to the presence 
of manganese. It is often found in feruginous clay, and in a fine sandy 
looking powder, formed from the decomposition of the rock. The lead 
ore is sometimes found in a solid sheet, compressed between the sills of 
the crevices, and in this position it is called sheet mineral ; when found 
in detached masses, it is called chuck ore. It is rather curious, that 
-though the ore is never found attached to the side walls of the crevices, 
it nevertheless is imbedded in the rock which caps it, and sometimes it 
reaches the surface through a contracted funnel, "When a rock crumbles 
under decaying influences, the ore is then found in detached masses 
among the clay or rubbish along the depressed surface, which, in general, 
can be traced. 

Mineral veins generally occur in the vicinity of trap dykes and other 
volcanic rocks. I am not aware of any part of the world showing surface 
indications of mineral deposites so palpably as the mineral region of \Yis- 
consin, In Dr. Owens' able report, he says, "When the outlines of a 
hill present a sort of bench, or step, or slight undulation, even if but 
small, and not readily remarked' yet as indicating a slight slip from an 

9 



130 Industrial Resources 

internal rent, it becomes a symptom of load, which the experienced miner's 
eye instantly detects." For the same reason, a small ravine along tlie 
side of a hill may be considered a reasonable indication of a mineral vein. 
I have stated that the mineral veins run east and west, north and south : 
therefore Bink-hoios running in these directions are indications of conceal- 
ed treasure, -.'alcareous spar found oil the surface is a good indication ? 
but if found in large quantities, it is an unfavorable one. In Wisconsin, 
as well as in many other parts of the world, there may be rich mines with- 
out any surface indications whatever. Where the Surface shows no 
ravines, high bluffs, or artificial cuttings, it is in general difficult to tell 
what IS beerried under the soil. This difficulty is not experienced in 
Alpino regions, where every streamlet groves out a deep ravine, exposing 
to view all the treasures of countless ages, which, without the abrading 
action of the streamlet, would probably remain hidden under the surface 
till time was no more. The most trustworthy indication observable in 
the Wisconsin load region is the appearance of mineral gravel in connec- 
tion with the crumbling appearance of the adjacent magnosian limestone, 
to which may be added minute dark specks spread over the surface of the 
rock, forming delicate figures, resembling ferns. When the surface 
presents an arid aspect, it indicates the feruginous clay in which lead is 
often found imbedded. 

These mines are not worked with the same economy as those of the old 
country, where the operation requires steam power, at an enormous ex- 
pense, to be employed day and night to unwater them. Here, the mom- 
ent the mine becomes inundated, whieih is often the case, at a small depth 
it is at once abandoned. 

With the exception of a few localities, the ore worked is sulphuret of 
lead, called galena, from which almost all the lead of commerce is derived. 
One of the localities in which carbonate of lead is worked is near the Blue 
Mounds. In some places the sulphuret of lead is intermixed with the 
sulphuret of zinc, called black jack, and occasionally with oxide of iron 
and carbonate of zink. Dr. Owen, in his able report, gives the following 
statistics of the lead region, which I take leave to transcribe: "In pro- 
portion as I proceeded with the geological survey of the Wisconsin lead 
region, I became more and more strongly impressed with its great value 
and rich promise of commercial importance. This conviction urged me 
to the task of carefully collecting and collating such facts as might supply 
materials for a comparison between the geological character of this region 
and that of the richest lead districts in Europe, the Cross Fell country 
of the north of England." That comparison has been briefly made, and 
as far as it goes, it is, in a pecuniary and commercial view, highly sat- 
isfactory. "The strong similarity between the two formations furnishes 



OP "Wisconsin. 131 

an encouraging item in the estimates of the value of the mineral tract 
now under examination. But other and more direct proof of that value 
jet remains. The statistics of this American lead region, solatelj settled, 
(50 insufficiently worked for lack of force, even in those localities where a 
cursory survey had chanced upon rich lead veins — these statistics, uncer- 
tain though they be, of a country so new and rude impel us to the con- 
clusion that the Wisconsin lead region may compare, if not in present 
productiveness, at least in future prospects, with any in the known world. 
For a time my opinion was very unsettled as to the actual amount of 
lead now annually produced in the district. The merchants of Galena, 
when the question was put to them, calculated the total in Wisconsin and 
Illinois, (when the ninetenths of the lead is made,) at from ten to twelve 
millions of pounds ; but I soon became convinced, even from a particular 
inquiry as to the amount actually produced at a very few furnaces, that 
this was far below the truth. I found, for instance, from actual returns, 
that tho lead turned out from the furnaces at three diggings, (to-wit ; 
the Platteville, Snake and Dubuque, already exceeded ten millions of 
pounds An estimate of the number of miners, collected from the best 
sources, multiplied by the probable amount of lead raised by each, also 
showed that the estimate made at Galena must fall very short of the 
actual amount produced in this region. Since my return I have received 
several letters in reply to enquiries addressed to the most intelligent 
smelters throughout the district. These and the personal enquiries I 
made in the course of the expedition, enabled me to furnish, with consid- 
erable confidence, the following statement of the amount produced from 
thirty-four furnaces, not quite three-fourths of the whole number which 
are at present at work in the district : 

In Iowa, from four furnaces, 3,000,000 lbs. ; in Wisconsin from 28 
furnaces, 18,764,400 lbs. ; in Illinois, from two furnaces, 2,000,000 lbs. 
Total from thirty-four furnaces, 24,764,400 lbs. 

In addition to the above, I have ascertained that there are at least 
twelve other smelters (probably more) whose furnaces are either in full 
operation or doing an occasional business. From these I have no 
authentic returns, though I have taken some pains, by letter and other- 
wise, to procure them. Although many of them are doing a heavy busi- 
ness, yet they can not perhaps safely be averaged as high as those from 
whom we have actual returns, namely at 725,000 lbs. each. It might 
be safe, and is probably below the truth to average them at half a million 
pounds each, making for the twelve 6,000,000 lbs. This added to the 
amount of the foregoing table, gives us tho total produce in the year 1839 
from the lead mines of Iowa, Wisconsin and northern Illinois, upwards 
of 30,000,000 of pounds. This result was unexpected by me, yet it can- 



132 Industriai, Resources 

not, I tliink, be far from the truth. The Smelters as far as I could judge, 
had no interest in deceiving me, and appeared frank and candid in their 
statements. 

Again — the number of miners in the district is variously estimated at 
from two to four tliousand, not employed, however, on an average, prob- 
ably more than half the time. The medium between the two estimates, 
say three thousand, may be near the truth. As to the average amount 
which each man can raise per day. it is difficult to estimate it with accu- 
racy. One of the most experienced miners and smelters in the district 
writes to me, "two men can raise something near five hundred pounds 
from veins of average richness. Two men have raised as much as twenty 
hundred pounds a day, from the richest veins. At McKnight's diggings, 
near Mineral P»int, three men (miners from Cornwall, England,) were 
seen by one of our party at work on a vein of three inches thick in the 
solid rock. This did not seem to be considered much more than an aver- 
age vein, and they were then raising on the averaveof 1,500 lbs. per day; 
that is 500 lbs. each." 

I may notice a few additional facts which came to my knowledge, re- 
garding the yield of the Wisconcin mines. Some of them are unparallel- 
ed in the history of mining. From a spot of ground not more than fifty 
yarks sr^uare, upwards of 3,000,000 lbs, of ore have been raised. A 
drift in Major Gray's diggings, near Mineral Point, in a crevice twelve 
feet wide, was filled in with clay and ore. When I was there, nine yards 
only of the contents of thir crevice had been excavated, and out of that 
amount of excavation, 34,000 lbs. of ore had been obtained. At the 
new diggings near the source of the west branch of the Pecatonica two 
men can readily raise 2000 lbs of ore in a day, and these diggings are not 
more than twelve feet deep. At Hamilton diggings from two and a half 
to three millions of pounds of ore were raised from a few acre lots, work- 
ing to the^water, which was to an average depth of twenty feet. At Shaw 
and Gennett's diggings 1,500 lbs. have been raised by two men in 
a day. 

4 

Upon the whole, I cannot resist the conclusion that the foregoing 
estimate of the amount of lead now produced in that favored region, is as 
likely to be below as above the truth. If then we suppose the amount 
of lead obtained at 30,000,000 lbs., we are furnished with the data of 
comparison between the produce of tliis region and that of raining count- 
ries in Europe. The amount of lead produced in the Island of Great 
l^ritain in the year 1828 was, according to a statement made by Mr. 
Taylor, in his records of mining, as follows : * 



OF Wisconsin. 133 

North of England mines 56,070,000 lbs. 

Derbyshire and Shropshire, 10,080,000 
Devonshire and Cornwall, 4,200,000 

Flintshire and Denbighshire. 25,200,000 
Scotland, 2,100,000 

Ireland, Isles of Man, &c. 1,050,000 



Total, . 98,700,000 

The rest of Europe produced 33,000,000 lbs. 

If these data be accurate, it follows that the Wisconsin lead mines 
already produce nearly as much lead as all Europe, with the exception 
of England ; and that they produce one-third nearly as much as England, 
the great miner of the civilized world. If such be its actual produce, it 
is difficult to set bounds to its capabilities. A thousand obstacles have 
hitherto opposed its progress. The temptations offered dy the high 
wages given in Illinois on the public works of that State ; these and many 
other causes have deranged the regular working of even proved mines, 
and greatly retarded the discovery of others. 

But again — this expedition has furnished data regarding the depth and 
durability of the mines, more trustworthy than the mere opinion of any 
individual, however intelligent and experienced. In the southern and 
western portion of the district, the lead-bearing rock, by Dr. Lock's ob- 
servations, has attained to a thickness of upwards of three hundred feet, 
gradually becoming thinner as it approaches the northern limits of the 
district. Now, even in that portion where it is thinest, the mines are 
not yet in any instance exhausted. It may be safely inferred in the south 
and west, t!ie supply is for many years, if not for ages to come, 
inexhaustible. 

Upon the whole, a review of resources and capabilities of this lead 
region, taken in connection with its statistics, (in so far as it was possible 
to collect these, ) induces me to say with confidence that ten thousand 
miners could find profitable employment within the confines. If we sup- 
pose each of these to raise daily 150 lbs. of ore during six months only 
of each year, they would produce annually 150,000,000 lbs. of lead- 
more than is now furnished by the entire mines of Europe, those of Great 
Britain included. This estimate, founded (as those who have perused 
the foregoing pages will hardly deny, ) upon reasonable data, presents in 
a striking point of view the intrinsic value and commercial importance of 
the country upon which I am reporting ; emphatically the lead region of 
Northern America. It. is, as far as my reading and expei-ience extend, 
decidely the richest in the kiaown world." 

Dr. Owen's report shows other facts connected with this mineral region. 



134 Industkial Resources 

which are of importauee — namely, that "the copper ore of Wisconsin, in 
the lead mine region, forms an item in its mineral wealth which would be 
considered of great importance, and would attract much attention, but 
for the superior richness and value of the lead. "' i)r. Owen says, "this 
occupies the same geological position as tke lead ore," — "it is not a 
superficial or vagrant deposit, but extends in veins of uniform bearing, 
and that these veins are continuous, and in all probability extensive," — 
that it is found in several localities in sufficient abundance to repay well 
the labor of the miner — that it compares favorably \yith the Cornwall 
(England) copper mines — that a selected specimen of the best working 
Cornwall ore yieled but '21 G-10 per cent, while three average specimens 
of Wisconsin ore yield fron 'J3 to 35 7-10 per cent, of copper — that there 
had then (1839) been raised at the Mineral Point mines upwards of a 
million and a halt pounds (if copper — that the indications of copper in 
Wisconsin afford strong presumptive evidence that capital and skill alone 
are required to render copper mining in this district an advantageous and 
profitable adventure — and as an additional fact, Avhereby to estimate the 
value of the Wisconsin copper ore, that in some of the European copper 
mines the ore does not contain throe per cent, while, as above stated, 
average specimens of Wisconsin ore yieled ft-om "Id to 35 per cent.," pieces 
are found weighing from a few ounces to five hundred pounds. 

There are found, in the vicinity of the same veins, productive veins of 
zinc, which usually occurs in the lead fissures. Dr. Owen says "that it 
frequently happens that the lead fissure gradually diminishes, and even- 
tually is entirely replaced by thia zinc ore." I have seen thousands of 
tons lying in various localities on the surface, which the miners seemed 
to know nothing about. An analysis of thi« ore proves it to be a true 
carbonate of zinc, containing 45 per cent of the pure metal. Sulphuret 
of zinc, sometimes called blende, and by the English miners black Jack, 
is also abundant in the Wisconsin mines. It contains from 55 to 65 per 
cent of zinc, but is more difficult of reduction than the carbonate. W"e 
Import a large quantity of brass raateriala, copper and zinc, from Europe, 
though the latter is seen thrown about on the surface of the lead region 
in every direction, and the former is abundant in the state. When we 
possess these ores in sufficient quantities for home consumption, it would 
be our advantage to manufacture for our own use instead of sending 
abroad for a supply. 

The iron ore of this district i.s of cxcollent quality, and unlimited 
abundance, but the richness of tjje iron veins cannot be well ascertained 
till mines shall be actually opened, which has not yet been done. But 
more encouragino; or more numerous surface indications of an abundant 
supply of tins useful mineral, can hardly present themselves to the notice 



OF Wisconsin. 135 

of the geologist. In a country more thickly settled, and with skill and 
capital to spare, these would cause and justify the employment of whole 
villages of workmen. How little, here in the west, at least, we have im- 
proved our natural resources, is proved by the immense quantities of ores 
unsurpassed in richness, which lie unsought in Wisconsin. The commit- 
tee appointed lately to report on this mineral region, states "the same 
report contains many interesting facts in relation to the connection witli 
the mineral substances, such as coal, building stones, mill stones chalcedony 
agate, jasper, cornelion, porcelain, clay, silver, arsenic, antimony, plumba- 
go, manganese, iron pyrites ; also in relation to soils, and their value and 
productiveness. But the committee have already filled this paper with 
such copious extracts in relation to the great staple production of the 
mines, and indeed as tiaey will show, of the state — extracts, however, well 
worthy to be brought to the notice, and demandidg the eareful considera- 
tion of the legislator, more interesting by far than anything the committee 
could say. And in consideration of the disinterested attitude of the 
geologist, and his world-wide reputation, forcing conviction of the truth 
of these representations more unequivocally than it was possible to do, by 
the most voluminous representation the committee could make. They 
are reluctantly compelled to close the book, and content themselves by 
referring to the report itself for more particular information in relation to 
the interesting subject of which it treats ; feeling that no apology is 
necessary for the space occupied by the extracts already made. The facts, 
opinions, theories, and conclusions embodied in Dr. Owen's report, de- 
manding credence and respect, as they unquestionably do, creating an 
intense anxiety in the minds of the scientific enquirer into the hidden 
mysteries of nature, as they cannot fail to do, only purport to present 
the result, of a very hurried and imperfect and very general outline 
reconuoisancc of the south-western portion of the State, They lead, how- 
ever, to the unavoidable conclusion, that if such, and so slight an examin- 
ation has developed such wonderful results, that although a more minute 
examination would present still more astonishing results, and what is 
now demanded by the duty the state government owes to the people of 
the whole state, is to give them such important information as it is in 
their power to give, and especially by the duty it owes to the people of 
the mining region, containing nearly one-sixth of the population of the 
state, to take the necessary steps to have such an examination made." 
It appeare from the report of actual shipments, during eleven years,, that 
Dr. Owen's estimate (30,000,000 lbs.) is below the truth, the average 
yearly produce of Wisconsin alone amounting to 41,727,023 lbs , as may 
be seen from the following tables : 



136 



Years 
1841 

1842 
1S43 
1844 
1845 
1846 
1847 
1S4S 
1840 
1850 
1851 

Averaee for 11 years 



BlOGKAPliy. 




No. of Pounds 


Value 


29,749,909 


.$1,189,996 


29,424,329 


1,176,973 


36,878,797 


1,475,151 


41,636.293 


1,641,451 


51,144,822 


2,045,792 


48,007,938 


1,920.317 


50,999,303 


2,039,972 


49,683,737 


1,991,349 


45,935,839 


1,839,433 


41,485,900 


1,659,430 


34,500„484 


1,380,15 


41,727,023 


$1,660,030 








Sketch of the career of Hon. LEONARD J. FAREWELL. 

The first settlers in any new country pass through an exjDerience which 
no succeeding generation will ever be able to fully appreciate. The time 
is already past when the youth of the present, even, have any apreciatiou 
of the visisitudes, dangers, and trials which the pioneer fathers and mothers 
were compelled to undergo to gain a foothold in the states west of the 
great lakes. Every new settlement wrote a history of its own, which 
differed from others in the nature of its surroundings, but the aggregate 
of the experience of all, was one never a gain to be repeated in the same 
territory or country. The mighty woods and the solemn prairies are no 
larger shrouded in the mystery ; and their effects upon the minds of the 
early comers, are sensations which will be a sealed book to the future. 
It is therefore not without a weighty reason, seated in the curiosity, if 
not the affection of the race, that the old settlers hold annual reunions, 
and compare notes with each other as to their mutual privations and 
isolations from the former outer world. Year by year the circle is narrow- 
ing. All that is most vivid and valuable in memory is disappearing. 
Gray hairs and bowed forms attest the march of time. bVesh hillocks in 
every cemetar^, to which each year contributes its quota are all the marks 
that are left of a race of giants who grappled nature in her fastnesses, and 
made a triumphant conquest in the face of greatest privations, disease, 
and difficulty. The shadows that fall upon their toombs as time recedes 
are like the smoky haze that enveloped the great prairies of the early 
days saddening the memory and giving to dim distance only a faint and 
phantom outline, to which the future will look baek, and must often 
marwel at the great hearth that lie hidden under the peaceful canopy. 



Biography. 137 

It is fur this reason, therefore, that no personal sketch of pioneer 
settlers, however rudely drawn, or immature in detail, can be classed as 
the work of mere vain glory. On the contrary the future will treasure 
them, and as the generations recede, they will become more and more ob- 
jects of interest and real value. The memory of the pioneers is one that 
the world will never consent to let fade. Its transmission is a priceless 
gift to the future, and the addition of a fresh sketch from any quarter, 
must be esteemed a welcome contribution. 

American life has this peculiarity very strickingly developed, that each 
youth is generally the arbiter of his own fortune, — that family names 
and mere wealth count a little, and often that little is a detriment to its 
possessor. Nearly every great man who has risen from obscurity to 
prominence has the same private history. He was born in poverty raised 
in the rugged school of want and privation, where the great lesson of self 
reliance is practically taught. He inherited from a noble paternity the 
ambition and the will to achieve grcai and useful ends — to acquire an 
honorable distinction — to faithfully discharge the most important public 
trusts — and to leave to his family and the country the memory and 
example of a spotless reputation, and an honored name. This fortune- 
ately, is the highest distinction in America, where men do not receive tlie 
credit for something done by their great grand-fathers, but must make 
up their own account, and stand or fall upon their own personel record. 
It is the distinction between a supposed hereditary succession in virtue 
talent, and ability, and the actual acquirement of these qualities by labor 
sagacity, honesty and example. 

The subject of this sketch was no exception to the American rule. 
The rugged road of poverty and orphanage was his lot. But he came 
from a solid and reliable stock. His father was Captain James Farewell 
of Massaceusetts, and his mother, whose maiden name was Eebecca Gady 
was born in Vermont, two states whose popvilation have done as much 
and probably more than any other, of the continent. From this uuionr 
two children were born, Greorge and Leonard J. Farewell, both in Water- 
town, New York — the latter on the 5th day of January, 1819. The 
mother died in 1824, and the father in 1830, so that at the early age of 
eleven years, he aild his brother were left alone in the world. The 
younger, George Farewell, removed to the west at a very early period, 
and died in Chicago, March 29th 184-1. He was a young man of conspi- 
cuous ability, and great promise, omd his early loss was long and deeply 
lamented. The elder brother remained in his native village or country 
until a later period to fit himself for the battle of life, into which he was 
destined to take an active and quite prominent part, as this sketch will 
sufficiently show. 



138 Biography. 

The first cftbrts of the young man to gain a livelihood, was in the capa- 
city of a clerk in a dry goods store, in which ho remained about one year: 
but feeling, what every American boy shouhl feel, tlie importance of 
learning a useful trade, he then became an apprentice to a tin smith, and 
followed that occupation until the age of nineteen, diligently improving 
all leisure hours, in not only fitting himself to become a competent clerk, 
but in mastering the elements and secrets of business success. Having 
thus prepared himself, and obeying an impulse common to the young men 
of that time to penetrate into the mysterious wilds of a new country and 
with a capital so modest that it would astonish many of the youth of the 
present he emigrated to the west to seek an opening for trade, where he 
might establish himself. His first ventnrn was at Lockport, Ills., with a 
small stock of hardware, and a few tools of his trade, and for the time 
and place, soon established a thriving business — but the country was then 
new, the settlement slow, the point isolated and the field for trade not 
large enough for one of his enterprising mind. In January 1840, he 
sold out his stock and store, and removed to the then new village ofMil- 
waukee, in the Territory of Wisconsin, and embarked in business on a 
larger scale. By judicious advertising a critical knowledge of his trade, 
great industry, aad a careful managomcnt, in a few years he was at the 
head of one of the largest wholesale houses in the west. Ten years later 
owing to impavied health from a too great confinement to indooi- life, and 
having secured a large fortune for those days, he withdrew from the cares 
of mercantile trafic to embark in enterprises of a difi'erent kind. No 
event of importance marked this career of successfuU trade, or to vary its 
monotony, except that in 1846, he made a sis months trip to Cuba and 
the West India Islands, in pursuit of health and recreation, and to gain 
a more comprehensire knowledge of the country, and the magnitude ef its 
surroundings. 

The tide of emigration which set towards the then far west, as early 
as 1835, and had been checked by the financial crash of 1837, revived 
again, and since about 1840, has known little abatement. This gave 
prominence to real estate transaction, and vast tracts previously valueless 
as private property, were at onee eagerly sought, and the scramble was 
generally designated in the country as the "land fever." All along the 
margin of the quiet lakes, and tlie principal rivers, farms were taken up, 
villages projected or laid out, roads opened, and the silence of the native 
wilds was invaded by the advanced guard of that endless throng, the head 
of a moring column which has now reached tiie Pacific Ocean, while the 
closing files are still in Germany and Northern Europe, making ready for 
the maroh. 

In 1847, forseeing the certainity tliat the country would speedily be 



Biography. 139^ 

occupied, Mr. Farewell visited Madison, the Territorial capital of Wis- 
consin, and effected a large purchase of village property embracing and 
including its then unoccupied water power ; and having completed the 
arrangement, in September of the same year he made a trip to Europe, 
which lasted a year and a half, visiting England, Ireland, France, Italy, 
India, Turkey, Egypt, and many other countries, returning to the United 
States in the sirring of 1S49. He contributed while absent a series of 
travel from time to time to theMilwaukee Sintinel, which attracted much 
puplic attention. 

The real estate purchased at Madison, embraced nearly half the site ot 
the then village, and if the additions subsequently made are included, to 
more than half of the present site of the city. A brief sketch of the con- 
dition of this then remote hamlet, and its surroundings, will best indicate 
to the reader the nature and extent of the enterprise upon which he had 
embarked, and will not be out of place here. 

Wisconsin was originally settled from the eastern side, and its south 
west corner — one stream of emigrants coming by the lakes, and mainly 
through Milwaukee, and the other by way of the Mississippi river, gener- 
ally by way of Galena, in Ills. They pressed steadily inland, but owing 
to the lack of roads au<l means of communication, it was many years 
before the central portion of the country was reached and occupied. — A 
few counties only had been organized along the south line of the territory, 
and scaroely any of the townships had as yet receivtid a came — while 
many of the sites of present cities had not even been entered at the United 
States Land office. Madison the capitol, was isolstcd from competing 
villages on all sides, by a space averaging more than forty miles. The 
site was almost in a state of nature — with but a small clearing in its 
central part about the Capital Park. It was crossed by a single town- 
ship road, blazed through the forest, and branching upon the surrounding 
prairies. It was without mills, manufactures of any kind, or markets. 
With the exception of game and fish nearly all the supplies of its popula- 
tion were purchased and transported from long distances. Forest and 
prairie, as yet unbroken, margined the lakes and streams. The landscape 
was unmarked by feflce, field, or improvement— the low lands undrained 
—and the work of man was scarcely as yet visible anywhere oyer this 
wide region, at present teeming with a dense population. — Truly ''the 
harvest was plenty, but the laborers were few." Sush was the Madison 
of 1849. 

But with the advent of Mr. Farewell a speedy change come over this 
scene of solitude and isolation. Among his first works was the improve- 
ment of the water power, and the erection of a saw and grist mill, so that 
flour had no longer to be imported from a distance of forty miles, and 



140 BlOGRAPUY. 

lumber wa3 brouglit within reach of the settlers ; and these works embody- 
ing all the known improvements of that timo, yet remain as monuments 
of the enterprise of their builder and a perpetual blessing to the com- 
munity. Ilis efforts at onco infused new life into the settlement. Real 
estate, hitherto, almost without value, began to be sought for, and to im- 
prove in price. Streets were cleared of their forests — roads wero laid 
out to the surrounding prairies — bridges were built — the low lands drain- 
ed — road ways carried througli them, and lined with shadetrees, and 
buildings and improvements of all kinds began to rise among the trees, 
and dot the distant prairies. He matured a comprehensive system of 
advertising ihe advantages of the country abroad, and scores of thousands 
of pamphlets, filled with valuable information were spread all over the 
eastern states and Northern Europe. He impressed upon all abont him 
"the vigor of his own comprehensive purposes, and pointed out to doubters 
the vastnesj of the latent resources and the certainity of a rapid and 
-constantly increasing developement, which in a short time must cover the 
whole continent with the fruits of new enterprise. 

It may bo truthfully said that from the time of his location the fortune 
of whole counties began to improve, and that previous to that time stag- 
nation and absence of improvement were the most marked characteristics 
of the community. The present city has no important interest or struct- 
ure, or association which he either did not originate, or contribute to its 
.success. He not only built the mills to which allusion has been made, 
but started the first woolen factory ; tlie first machine shop and foundry. 
He was a partner in building the Capitol House — the principal Hotel. 
In the Water Cure Establishment, now so widely known and patronized. 
In the Q-as Works, and he tried earnestly to secure to the city public 
waterworks. He erected the "Bruen Block" the best built one in the 
city. He established the Madison Museum and subsequently donated its 
collection to the state University. He aided in organizing the State 
Historical Socioty, now unequaled in the extent of its accumulations in 
any western state. He helped t© organize the State Agricultural Society 
— the system of graede common schools, and the state University, and 
contributed more or less to the establishment of several religious societies. 
It was he who set the example of first grading atid filling streets and 
building side and cross walks, and he built the first plank road, and also 
stocked the Lakes with new varieties of fish. Need it be added that in 
projected railroad enterprises he embarked heartly, aud that the evidence 
of his enterprise and enthusiastio labors are impressed on everything of 
a public kind either in structures, literary or benevoient associations — or 
all that the city most values and most treasurers? Since he ceased these 
labors, from which circumstances compelled him to withdraw, no master 



ElOORAPIII. i4l 

spirit has arisen to continue them, and what lias been gained, hasfonowed 
mainly from tne solid foundation originally laid down. Even tlu Lakes 
owe their name to 'his selection. But it is not necessary to enlarge upon 
Such an enumeration Every, old settler in Dane County will bear cheer, 
ful witness to the greatness of his efforts, and attest to the thruthfullness 
of this description. The stamp of iiis hand work will not speedJy be 
erased. 

The appearance of Mr. Farewell upon the political stage was an anoni- 

alus event in his career, brought about by causes over which he had no 

control. It is nothing unusual in this country to see men 

taken from every station in life, and elected to official positions, but this 

has most generally fallowed from pressing personal effort, or the work of 

a party coucus in forestalling toe aspirations of others, or having in view 

the carrying out of a special policy or purpose in the selection, for the 

furtherance of some scheme, or the direct benefit of party managers. 

The cases are rare indeed, where it can be said with truth, that the office 

sought the man — when there was neither effort to secure a nomination, 

but on the contrary a strenuous opposition tp receiving it — and when 

partizan interests were merged in a spontaneous and enthu^astie effort. 

to confer an honor by the best men of ail parties. 

The career of Mr. Farev.'ell, as a merchant, had, uiiconsiously to him- 

i 
self, laid the foundation of a popularity of which he had no conception. 

His business arrangements had been conprehensive and reached to all 
parts of the state, and he was not only widely known by reputation but 
had warm personal friends in every section. His genial address, noble 
generosity, and frank, outspoken manhood had laid up a fund of good will 
and genuine esteem on the part of multitudes, that waited but its time to 
find the means of expression. Among other things which might be men- 
tioned as forming a ground work of a solid friendship, it is deserving of 
mention, that during nearly his whole mercantile career, great numbers of 
emigrants were constantly ariving at Milwaukee, unacquainted with the 
English language often victimized hy sharpers, or suffering from sickness 
or the lack of means. Often they had been unable to pay their passao'c 
on the steamers, or the charge on their household goods. When cases of 
this kind came to his notice, ho had made it a rule to go in person, or send 
some intelligent and trusty foreigner, who could converse with the newly 
arrived, and render the necessary assistance. His large warehouse was 
freely opened for their reception, provisions furnished, and often money 
advanced to the most necessitous, who received the most kindly aid, either 
in being forwarded to their destination, or in obtaining employment in 
the city or country until able to help themselves. How many hundreds 
of the poor wanderers, now men of wealth and standing, still ^less the 



142 Biography. 

name that releived them in their liour of sorest need. Nor was the gen- 
erous Icindness forgotten, when opportunity came to test their remem- 
brance. 

It is not worth while, in this connection to give much detail of the 
political reasons which, in the year of 1851, placed his name before the 
people of Wisconsin as a candidate for the office of Crovernor. The dem- 
ocratic party was largely in the ascendant, having near twenty thousand 
majority, and, to outer appearance, a candidacy in opposition was a mere 
formality. By how few was it seen that causes were even then in opera- 
tion which were destined within a few years to eifect its permanent and 
total overthrow. The whig party of that day was but a weak and feeble 
minority. It had few elements of strength, and less sagacity in its man- 
agement. It regularly jjut tickets in nomination in a kind of hopeless 
way, but with no expectation of success. The candidates were well 
enough, but the organization was without vitality. In the state conven- 
tion of I85I, however, it received an impetus by the unamnious nomina- 
tion of Leonard J. Farewell, for the office of Governor, that not only 
astonished its leaders, but aroused the opposition to the consciousness of 
a real weakness. Every old settler in the state will recall the shout of 
enthusiasm with which the selection was everywhere greeted. The Free 
Soil party, which was an offshoot from the democratie, had previously 
aeted on the question, and now united to swell the rising tide. The 
public effect was electic. Party lines and party drill were wholly ineffect- 
ive to check the new revolution, even in the democratic strongholds. A 
single name presented at the right moment, sufficed to break the political 
fetters — and to use the common expression of the time, the people decided 
to vote by ballot. The canvas was a noble example of a community ris- 
ing superior to mere partizan prejudice and electing their favorite over 
every form of opposition. 

The following extracts from an address to the people, issued in Mil- 
waukee, and signed by hundreds of business men of all parties, many of 
whom had been long competitors of Mr. Farewell in Mercantile life, will 
best indicate the feeling of the time and was a noble tribute from his old 
neighbors and friends, and worthy of being treasured here. / 

"TO THE ELECTORS OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN.'" 

Fellow Citizens : The undersigned, citizens of Milwaukee, without 
distinction of party, actuated by what we regard the best interests of the 
state, take the liberty, in this public manner, without concealment or 
disguise, to state to you the reasons which impel us, and we hope, will 
induce you to vote for Leonord J. Farewell, for Oovcrnor of the stato at 
the ceming election. 



BlCGHAPHY. 143 

First, 3Ir. Farewell is a practical, thorough-going buBiness man. Vv'e 
beleive ^ that at the present crisis such a man is especially 
needed at the helm. The finances of the state are in a doubt- 
x'ul condition, and they ought to be looked into. The Wisconsin 
and Fox River improvements are notoriously mismanaged. 
Tne funds for its prosecution are beeing wasted, while the works are 
poorly constructed, and are caried on without vigor, without economy, 
and with most vexatious delay. The School Fund of the state, which 
should be held in sacred trust for our children as their most precious 
inheritance, has been loaned out to party favorites in many instances, up- 
on unsufficient and doubtful security. A thorough investignation is 
needed and these great interests should be placed under the supervision 
of an honest, efficient, independent man, who will be under no party 
obligations to cover up past delinquincies and bad management. The 
strict integrity and signal ability with which Mr. Earewell has conducted 
his own business, is the best assurance that he will manage faithfully the 
affairs of the state. • 

* 
Third, Mr. Farewell is a man oj the people. It is his pride that he 

worked faithfully at his trade as a mechanic. Being one of the people, 
brought up among them, intimately associated with them in business, and 
in the intercourse of life, he knews their wants — he can understand their 
condition — his sympathies are with them in their toils and struggles, and 
we, the peopb, mean to show by or own votes, that we appreciate modest 
worth, and pay willing tribute to honorable and successful labor. 

Fourth, Mr. Farwoll is no mere partizan. Liberal and expansive in 
his views — of great independence and farce of character, he is not and 
never has been what is called a strong party man, thoroughly identified 
in feeling and interest with this state of his adoption ; he has a great stake 
in its prosperity, and will, we are persuaded, if elected, rise s^bove mere 
party considerations, and act with referance to the interests of the whole 
people. 

Fifth, Mr. Farwcll is a man of high and sterling character, possessed 
of more than ordinary natural abilit}', he has improved his talents by 
study and converse with the world. He has excellent practical sense, is 
clear headed and sagacious. All admit that he has great firmness, deci- 
sion and energy. Hisgenerosityand public spirit are proverbial; more than 
all, he is an honest, highminded and honorable man. Perfectly fair in 
all his dealings, no one accuse him of wronging a man out of one cent; 
no one can lay a mean act to his charge. His moral character is without 
reproach 

Felloxo Citizens : such a man we beleive Mr. Farwell to be. The 
choice of Grovernor is submitted to your candor and patriotism, and we 



144 BiooKAiiiiv. 

will not fear the result. The people are rising in their might all over the 
state, and the peoples candidate will be triumphantly elected. The day 
of election is at hand Be up and doing, and remember that every vote 
cast for Leonard J. Farwell will be a vote for the dignity, the honor and 
the prosperity of the state." 

The Governor alone of all the state ticket was elected. 
Thus then we have the example of a youth who mado his way to the 
west in complete poverty — -who settled in Wisconsin as a hnmble mechan- 
ic — who in a little over ten years thereafter had not only acquired a for- 
tune, but without any of the ordinary machinery of party, or any personal 
management of his own, had by the general voioe of the people, been 
clothed with the highest honor. It is doubtful if the history of any state 
can furnish a case of an executive officer, in opposition to his own private 
wishes, similarly elected, or a canvass in which so little that was merely 
partizan and selfish any where manifested itself. 

Of the public career of Governor. Farwell it is not necessary to dwell 
at any considerable lenght. The structure of theg overnment was then 
imnature, the population scanty, and the policy of developement as yet 
undefined. Much that is now history had not then entered the public 
mind even by suggestion. To lay the foundation of the new republic 
deep and wide, to establish a policy of comprehensire statesmanship which 
should provide for the present, ensure the future, and prove enduring as 
time, was the most important dnty of the executive* How well and 
wisely this was done, is attested by the developement of the state, in all 
its varied interests, and the wide spread prosperity that is now visible in 
all its parts. An examination of his every official act, will show that in 
every public measure of his administration, he followed the plain, simple 
rule of strict honesty, and open fair dealing with all men. A coneise epit- 
omeof his messageswould be highly interesting,as showing the chief subjects 
occupying the public mind of that time, but it would swell this sketch 
beyond the limits assigned io it, and must for that reason be omitted. 
Only one of his measures need be alluded to. The plan Avhich he origin- 
ated and which was approved by the legislature, of putting two hundred 
thousand new emigrants into the state within two years at a cost not ex- 
ceeding ten thousand dollars was carried out to the fullest extent, and pav- 
ed the way for most of those who now occupy the soil. This system of 
emigrant agencies, adopted by other states, has already planted millions 
of population in the north west '■ — and there is still, no cessation to the 
movement. 

His appointments to office were necessarily few, but were hapily made. 
Amonf them wc may mention Hon. Harlow S. Orton, as Private Secre- 
tary, Hon. John H. Lathrap, chancellor of the University, to prepare an 



BroGRAniY. 145 

essay showing the physical couditiou and prospective v¥calth of the state. 
The Hon. James E,. Doolittle, to conduct certain state suits, which was 
his first public appearance. Prof. Edward Daniels, State Greologist, and 
H. A. Teiiney, Esqr., Assistant, with many others and for different lab- 
ors. It wa s a period when men of strong active minds, and zealous pur- 
poses were especially needed in the then new condition of affairs and the 
selections were at tliat time a matter of considerable perplexit}^ 

Nothwithstanding that during his entire administrative terms every 
department of the state government, and both branches of the legislature, 
were in political opposition to the executive, there was no measure of im- 
portance suggested or recommendation made that was not promptly adopt- 
ed. The usual display of ill feeling and party jealousy in such contin- 
gencies, was in no case manifested, and probably no official ever enjoyed 
more fully the confidence and esteem of both friends and political opposers. 
The Grovornor refused a renominatioa to the oSice on any terms, haviao' 
important private interests suffering from the lack of his personal supervi- 
sion, and no taste for a continuation of public honors, however flattering. 
On the 20th of September 1853, the bachelor days of Mr. Farwell were 
closed. He was united in marriage with Miss Francis A. Corss, daughter 
of Gcn'l A. N. Corss, of Madison, formerly of 'Watertown, New York.' 
To this amiable and accomplished lady, and to \hv family, no tribute would 
be esteemed too high by any one honored with an intimate acquaintance. 
She possessed every graoe of true womanhood, and every quality that most 
adorns and dignifies the sex in an unusual degree. No one knew 
better how to make a home happy or more strongly attracted the personal 
regards of all with whom she came in contact. She died in Washington 
D. C. April 15th, 1868, after a lingering sickness resulting from a rail- 
road collision, leaving three children — a daughter and two sons — and 
her early departure was widely and deeply mourned by a great circle of 
friends and acquaintances. 

After leaving the executive chair, Mr. Farwell at once resumed the 
management and care of his large real estate interests, and pushed for- 
ward new improvements with his wonted energy. iVmong other thinp-,s 
worthy of note, were his exertions to secure a direct connection with 
'Chicago by the Beloit and Madison Railroad, and also, to promote a 
road by way of Watertown. In this last enterprise, he became laro-oly 
involved by becoming an endorser for its loans, which at a later period, 
during the panic of 1857, gave a fatal blow, during several years, to his 
restless career of noble and unselfish public usefulness. The now State 
Capitol, the Hospital for the Insane, and the Central University Edifice 
are public works for which the place is deeply indebted to liis efforts. 

The financial revulsion of 1857 proved too much for even liis sao-acious 

lo"" 



14G " Biography. 

iinaucial abilitios, as be had endorsed heavily, and the stocdcs and securi- 
ties of tlie Watcrtown and Milwaukee road suddenly became nearly worth- 
less in the eastern market. Finding the catastrophe inevitable, he made 
every efi'ort to meet all mere personal obligations by paying his creditors 
in Yalual)lc real estate, •which a part of them accepted. Having decided 
to make no assignment, the balance of his property was left to be equally 
divided, and had time been given, would have more than sufficed to cover 
every claim. No event in the history of Madison was productive of as 
feneral regret among all classes of persons, as this suspension. It was 
regardsd jtropcrly, as a public calamity, and no one has since been found 
to restore anything like the old vigor to the growth and improvement of 

the city. 

Returning to his farm, deeded at an early period to his wife, he sought 

the consolations which quiet and repose often bring to overwrought men- 
tal activity. It was one of the most attractive spots in all the beautiful 
lake reo-ion about Madison on the north shore of Lake Mendota. Origin- 
ally and for ages the site of an Indian Village, dotted with many mounds, 
and marked by ancient eartli works, high above the clear waters of the 
lake in view of bold headlands, islands, prairies, groves, and the distant 
city, the panorama spread out on all sides from this tasty but humble dwel- 
linw was of most exquisite beauty and attractiveness. The site of the 
Insane Hospital having been selected on a tract of land adjoining, he 
was appointed chairman of the Commission and for several years superin- 
tended the erection of the buildings and preparation of the grounds. In 
the hope of drawing him away from his pleasant retreat, and inducing 
Mm to take a part in public affairs, he was elected to the legislature in 
1859 ; but offieial life had lost all charms for him. His ambition had 
been to build up the country and the city, and that work measur- 
ably over, he regarded his mission as completed. The empty honors of 
political distinction had nothing about them to incite his ambition, or in- 
duce a cbange of life. They are too unreal and unsubstantial to merit the 
attention most men waste upon them. 

In the spring of 1863, he was appointed by President Lincoln an 
Asfiistant Examiner of Inventions, a position he held for near seven years, 
when he resigned it, to re-embark in the same business in Chicago. 
During the rebellion he took an active part in all measures to preserve 
tbe National Capital, and at the close of the great battle of Gettysburg, 
was detailed to the field, and passed many days in attendance on the 
Avoundcd. He was Vice President of the association for the relief of Wis- 
consin soldiers, and in that capacity was able to render great service to 
thousands of the sick and disabled. Wherever a good deed could be 
done or a word of cheer be said that might animate the desponding, he 
was never at a loss to find duties to perform. 



BlOGRAPHV. 147 

And now an event happened of such great historical interest that it 
ought not to be omitted even in this a mere personal sketch. He was at 
Ford's Theater on that fatal night of April 14th, 1865, a spectator of the' 
assassination of President Lincoln, and the escape of the assassin Wilkes 
Booth. An instant presentiment of threatened danger to the other high 
officers of the government, eame over him, and rushing to the Kirkwood 
House, he was just in time to save the life of Andrew Johnson from 
the knife of the conspirator Atzerodt, who was then in the buildmg 
watching an opportunity to strike. For this service Mr. Johnson sent 
for him and tendered any posivion in the government he might desire, 
nothwithstanding a radical difference in political views, but the well meant 
offer was kindly declined, as it was felt that a sentiment of mere gratitude 
ought not to be urged as a reason for official promotion. The part taken 
by Mr. Farwell, on the spur of the moment, called forth a great many 
enquiries from persons and public bodies, and led to a correspondence with 
Senator J. R. Doolittle, in which the facts are minutely detailed, and 
copies sent to various societies at their request. Believing that it has not 
been published in Wisconsin, and that it will prove of interest, a copy 
has been taken of that furnished the State Historical Society at Madison, 
and will be found subjoined. 

It has not been the purpose of this sketch to introduce Ex-Grovernor 
Farwell as a great man occording to the modern standard. Nor a self made 
man of the class usually noticed as such. In his day and time, as is sufficiently 
indicated, he has filled the mechanic's bench with the same attention and 
'Success that he has filled the highest official positions. To do well in all 
relations in life is the highest glory of auAmerican citizen. The world gener- 
ally confounds notoriety with greatness, and looks more to sound than solid 
substance. The test of a true manhood lies in neither success nor fadure, 
and it may be as manifest in one case as the other. The youth who from 
small beginnings, works his way, unassisted, and by mere force of charac- 
ter and will, to eminence and distinction, may be esteemed to have accom- 
plished all that mankind regard as great and noble. Mere pecuniary 
success is not only no test of real merit, but often the reverse of it. The 
so called "self made" man, subjected to the test of criticism, is often 
found to be a person of very ordinary acquirements, with neither varied 
knowledge, aptitude, nor experience, outside of his peculiar calling. 

What is claimed for Governor Farwell, is, that while possessing the 
better traits of a self made man, he also possesses in an eminent degree 
all the higher qualities that compass and make up the sum of a true man- 
hood. He was gifted with that rare magnetism of mind, and geniality 
of address that impresses its influence on all about him. If in the pursuit 
of wealth, it was from no vulgar love of accumulation or display, but 



148 Biography. 

to obtain tlie means for increased generosity, and more extended useful- 
ness. His ambition did not lie in the mere counting of additional doIlar.s, 
nor make a merit of a pletlioric bank account, but in tlie poor and lonely 
he oould aid, the youth he could encourage to become useful members 
of Society, and the misery of the aged and infirm he could alleviate. 
Money for its own sake, had no attraction for him ; but along his path- 
way there are living multitudes to whom liin memory is a pleasure. He 
was not born an orator and yet could impress his convictions widely upon 
all he addressed. He was not gifted as a writer, but no man could sug- 
gest more subjects, or more thoroughly inspire the writings of others. 
He was not a scholar, in the highest sense, from lack of early opportunity, 
yet never failed in any field requiring scholarly attainments. He was 
not in the ordinary sense a statesman, and yet laid deeply and firmly 
the foundations of a great and prosperous state, and left his impress on 
all its material features, while many more pretentious have left only the 
record of an official name. To whatever he gave attention it was done 
earnestly and with a purpose which never flagged. Whether upon the 
workman's bench, in mercantile life, or the highest official positions, the 
same efiort to excel, the same critical knowledge of details, and an honest 
purpose, are equally manifest. In each it was the result of careful fore- 
thought, governed by matured judgment wisely applied. Ho had great 
aptitude for any field of labor, and a wonderful compression of the springs 
of human action. He knew how to emplo}' and combine the results of 
talent displayed by different minds, and make them work t« a common 
end. But chiefly and better than all, he was the possessor of a great, 
jrenial and loving heart, above the littleness of mere selfishness, and ever 
wakeful for opportunities to serve his kind ; a strong common sense, and 
an honest and direct pui-pose. Few men at hig time of life can look back 
over a long career and number so few enemies, or such troops of friends. 
Since he first landed in the west, the frontier has receded from Ohio to 
tlie Pacific Ocean ; and yet he ie still in the full vigor of manhood, young 
in feeling, of excellent personal habits, with mental and physical powers 
unimpaired, and is doing for inventors what he has so long done for others. 
The youth of the present are destined to a difi"erent experience with differ- 
surroundings, for the mystery of the great west has passed away. His 

example is one they may well strive to emulate. 

Washington, D. C. ) 
March 12tk, 1866. f 

SIR : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 4th of 

Janiiarj, enclosing a resolution of the Wisconsin State Historical Society, requesting 

mo to obtain a full account of the circumstances, Mhich have led your society to 

believe that one of its Vice Presidents, Ex-Governor Farwell, was instrumental in 

saving the life of Prosi lent Johnson. In reply, I enclose a statement mado at my 

request by the Governor himself. 



Biography. 149 

From all I learn I am satisfied it was a part of the conspiracy to take the life of 
Mr. Johnson. The bitter hatred entertained towards hira by the rebel leaders is 
known to all, and is well illustrated in the remark made by Davis to his associate, 
John C. Breckinridge, a short time after the assassination ; referring to which he 
said, ''If it were to be done at all it were better that it were well done : and if the 
same had been to Andy Johnson, the beast, and to Secretary Stanton, the job would 
then be complete." i, 

By the sagacity, presence of mind, courage, and devotion of Gov. Farwell, our 
own distinguished fellow citizen, Mr. Johnson was apprised of his danger, and his 
life secured, if not absolutely saved from destruction. This, the evidence of the 
trial conclusively shows. 

From the published account, it appears that one of the conspirators, George E. 
Atzerodt, who has since paid thepenalaty of his crime with his life, had on the morn- 
ing of the 14th of April taken a room at the Kirkwood House, on the floor above 
that occupied by Mr. Johnson : that he was in the room during the day and was 
fhere visited by Booth : that at the time President Lincoln was shot, his horse was 
standing saddled and bridled near the hotel ; that late at night he returned the horse 
to the stable, and with some unknown person lodged at the Pennsylvania House; that 
honot only disposed of a revolver next morning in Georgetown, but there were also 
tbund in theKirkwood House, another revolver, a bowie knife, and an overcoat belong- 
ing to Booth. In view of these and other facts the JudgeAdvocate, in summing up the 
evidence on the trial of the conspirators, in regard to the part of the plot which 
Atzerodt was to execute, says : "Atzerodt near midnight returns to the stable of Nay- 
lor, the horse which he had procured for this work of murder, having been interrupt- 
ed in the execution of the part assigned to him at the Kirkwood House, by the 
timely arrival of citizens to the defence of the Vice President ; aud creeps into the 
Pennsylvania House yet unknown." 

From the enclosed statement, it v.-ill be manifest to all that Gov. Farwell was 
the most conspicious and etiicient of those citizens, by whose timely arrival the 
murderous design of Atzerodt was frustrated. 

Providence has further use for Mr. Johnson at this, the most critical period of 
our history, in working out the destiny of our country ; and it is a matter of con- 
gratulation to ourselves and our state, that a former Governor of Wisconsin was 
successfully efliciont in saving the life of the Nation's Chief Magistrate. 

Yci-y respectfully yours, 

J. R.DOOLITTLE." 
iloN. Lymax C. Draper, j 

Secretary AVis. Historical Society, , 
Madison, Wis. ) 

Washington, D. C. } 
February Sth, 1866. f 
"Hon. James R. Doolittlk, 
U. S. Senate, 
DEAR SIR : 

I have received your favor of the 22nd ult. requesting on belialf of the 
Wisconsin State HistoricalSociety, a statement of my connection with the occurrences 
that took place in this city on the night of the assassination of President Lincoln. 

It is a mournful task to recall the terrible scenes that I then witnessed, yet in 
order that the expressed wishes of that society, of which, from the time of its forma- 
tion, I hive been a member, and in which I have always taken a deep interest, may 
be gratified, and a truthful account of those events, so far as I witnessed them, may 
find its way into history, I comply with the request. 



150 BlOORAlMlY. 

At the time of the aEsassin«,tion of President Lincoln, I was boarding at the Kirk- 
Avood House, my family being then in Wisconsin . Mce President Johnson, had 
rooms, and Avas boarding at the same plaQC, and I there came to know him, and 
occasionally passed an evening in his room. 

Early in the evening of April 14th 1863. 1 called to see Mr. J. Fj. Crosby, of Mass., 
and found that he had but a short time to stay and was very desirous of seeing the 
President before his return. Having noticed in the papers a statement that Mr. 
Lincoln was expected to be present «.t Ford's Theatre on that evening to witness the 
play, entitled "Our American Cousin'- we concluded to go thither, for the express 
purpose of seeing him. This we did, and procured seats having the President's box 
in full view on our right. V/hen the fatal shot was fired, wc involuntarily turned 
our eyes to the box from whence the sound proceeded, and the same instant the 
horrible vision of J. "Wilkes Booth, flashed upon my eyes, brandishing a knife, and 
jumping from the President's bos, repeating the words, "Sic Semper Tyrannis !" 
I had scarcely seen and heard him before he had vanished from the stage. 

As the president fell and the cry rang thi-ough the house that he was assassinated 
it flashed across my mind that there was a conspiracy being consummated to take 
the lives of the leading officers of the sovernmeut, which would include that of Mr. 
Johnson. The cause of this suspicion and ofniy alarm for the safety of Mr. Johnson, 
was probably the fact of my ha.ving read in some newspaper, the article copied from 
the Selma, (Ala)DESPATcii, being an ofler by some fiendish rebel to aid in contribut- 
ing a million of dollars for procuring the assassination of Lincoln, Johnson, and 
Seward. 

"While some seemed paralyzed with the boldness of the deed and others intent up- 
on knowing how seriously the president was injured, I rushed from the theatre, and 
ran with all possible speed to the Kirkwood House, to apprise Mr. Johnson of the 
impending danger, ^impelled by a fear that it would even then be too late. Passing 
Mr. Spencer, one of the clerks of the hotel, who was standing just outside the door, 
I said to him, "Place a guard to^^the door : President Lincoln is murdered;" and to 
Mr. Jon«8, another clerk, who was at the oSicc desk, as I hurried by, "Guard the 
stairway and Gov. Johnson's room, Mr. J^incoln is assassinated ! " and then darting 
up to Mr. Johnson's room, No. 68, I knocked, but hearing no movement, I knocked 
again, and called out with the loudest voice, that I could command, "Gov. Johnson, if 
you are in this room, I mu.st see you." In a. moment, I heard him spring from his 
bed and exclaim, "Farwcll is that you ?" "Yes, let me in," I replied. The door 
was opened, I passed in, locked it, and told him the terrible news, which for a time 
overwhelmed us both, and grasping hands, we fell upon each other, as if for mutual 
support. But it was only for a moment. While every sound suggested the stealthy 
tread of a conspirator, and every corner of the chamber a lurking place, yet Mr. 
Johnson, without expressing any apprehensions for his own safety, and wdtli that 
promptness and energy which has always characterized him, at once deliberated upon 
thepi'oper course to meet the emergency. Butthemoment of danger had passed. The 
officers of the hotel, as requested bj' me, had stationed guards, who in a short time 
were relieved by Secretary Stanton. Soon many personal friends of Mr. Johnson 
arrived; anxiously enqixiring for his safety. In the meantime, the news of the 
murderous assault upon Secretary Seward and his son Frederick, had reached ns, 
and justified our fears as to the general purpose of the conspirators. 

Mr. Johnson was desirous of knov.'ing the reMl condition of the President, and Mr. 
Seward, and requested me to go and see them personally, and not to credit any 
story or rumor that might be flying about the city. This was no easy task. Distrust 



IJlOGRAPIIY. 151 

iind hovror seemed to iill every mind. The very atmosphere was burdened with ytories 
of dark cor.spiriicies and bloody deeds. Thousands of excited citizens, soldiers and 
guards, blocked up every avenue to Mr. Peterson's House, No. 453, 10th street, to 
which the president had been carried, and in which he was dying. "None biit promi- 
nent citizens known to the ofiicers of the guard, or who could be generally vouched 
for, were allowed to pass, and it was with the utmost difficulty that I succeeded in 
working my way through the crowd, and passed the guards, to the house, and then 
into the room in which the president liad been placed. The news was all too true. 
There he lay. cvitiently ia the agonies of death, his medical attendants doing all 
that human zeal or skill coiild devise, and many of his friends had gathered about 
him, and some were in tears. 

Turning away from this sad sight, 1 worked my Avay to tlic house of Secretary 
Seward, and here, too, I found tliat the villains had done their work. I then returned, 
and reported to Mr. Johnson, thp disastrous doings of the conspirators. 

In a short time Mr. Johnson resolved to sec the president himself. Hia friends 
thought he ought not to leave the house v.-hen there was so much excitement in the 
city, and when the extent of the conspiracy was unknovfn. President Lincoln had 
just been shot in the presence of a crowded assemblj' and his assassin had escaped : 
Secretary Seward had been stabbed in his chamber, and the villain had fled. But 
he determined to go. Major James Pv. O'Bcirne, commanding the provost guard, 
desired to send a detachment of troops with him, but he declined the offer, and but- 
toning up his coat, and pulling his hat well down, he requested me to accompany 
him, and the Major to lead the Avay : and thus we went through the multitude that 
crowded the streets and filled the passage ways, till ^ve joined the !;ad circle of 
friends who were grouped around the bedside of die dying president. 

It is unnecessary to add anything more to this account of my connection with an 
event which forms,with the rebellion plot, the darkest chapter in our country's history. 

If it is true, as regarded by many, that the life of President Johnson was saved by 
the arrival of citizens, at the Kirkwood, at the risk of their lives, then such risk was 
properly, and so far as I arn concerned, joyfully incurred, and this statement may 
be worthy of preservation. 

Trusting that this may meet the wishes of the society as expressed thi-ough you. 
I have the honor to be 

llespectfiilly your obed't serv'L 

L. J. FAllWELL. 



lit. IlEV'l). WILLIAM EDMONI) ARMITvVGE. 

William Edniond Armitage was born in New York City, September the 
6th 1S30 ; educated in "the private school of B.^P. Bacon ; graduated at 
Columbia college in 1849; and in theology at General Theological Sem- 
inary in 1852— all in that City. 

He commenced his early ministry in New Hampshire and Maine ; came 
west in 1859, and was pastor of St. John's Church in Detroit seven 
years. He was elected Assistant Bishop of tlie Diocese of Wisconsin 
June 1866; consecrated December 6th in that year; and removed to 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the 6th of January 1867. 



152 Biography. 

The degi'ec S. T. D. was conferred upon hiin by his own college in 1866. 

To do common justiee to the subject of this brief sketch would require 
a more intimate knowledge of his valuable services in the church than his 
biographer has had an opportunity of acquiring, his first acquaintance 
with the bishop having commenced not earlier then fosr years ago 
General report however gives him the credit of having formed, in xgtj short 
spaae of tiaie in the city of Detroit, a large and respectable congregation 
— a task which eould only be accomplished by youthful energy, unremit- 
ting perseverance, religious zeal, and talent of a high order — all of which 
the bishop possesses, ag the writer can now testify from personal knowl- 
edge. 

A short time before he had been elected assistant bishop, the late ven- 
erable Bishop Kemper began to exhibit symptoms of declining strength^ 
by reason of his advanced age, and' feeling his inability to discharge the 
duties required of him by so extensive a field as the Diocese of Wisconsin, 
he necessarily required assistance to relieve him from a part of these 
laborious duties. 

In making a selection for this purpose, the personal qualities of the 
rector of St. John's, Detroit, having been so well established, could not 
have been ovorlooked ; therefore he was elected. The selection made it a 
sufficient proof of the discriminating judgment of the electors : as all the 
acts of Bishop Armitage since his advent to the diocese of Wisconsin, and 
the many virtues that adorn his character as a christian bishop, have 
gained for him the love and respect of all classes under his episcopal 
charge. 



Hon. LEVI IIUBBELL 

was bbru, April 15. 1808 in Balston, Saratoga Co. N Y. — His parents 
were of patriotic stock, the one having served as a soldier, through the 
entire revolutionary war, and the father of the other, having been killed 
by the British, in that struggle for national independence. 

Judge Hubbell graduated at Union College, Schenectady; read law with 
Hon. John Greig, of Canandaigua, and commenced practice with his broth- 
er, Walter Hubbell, in the latter place. Thj late Hon. Stei'iihn A. 
Douglas was then a student in their office ; and doubtless derived his 
first democratic impressions from Judge Hubbell, who was then early, 
an ardent supporter of the party, and assistant Editor of the Ontario 
Mes.senijer . 

In January 1833, he was appointed by Governor Marcy, Adjutant Gen- 
eral of the State ; which office he held until Norember 1836, when, on his 
removal to Ithaca, in Tompkins County, he resigned it. He represented 



BlOCiRAPUY. 153 

the county of Tompkins, aa a member of the Legislative assembly, during 
the session of 1841. In June 1844, he removed to the village of Milwau- 
kee, then, in the territory of Wisconsin. At the first judicial election, in 
July 1S48, be was chosen a judge of the Supreme and Circuit Court of 
the state ; and in September 1851, he was re-elected to the same office. 
He remained a judge of the Supreme Court for five years, until a separ- 
ate supreme court was organized in 1853, and held the office of chief 
justice for one year. In 1856, he voluntarily resigned the office of judge 
of the second judicial circuit, which ho had for eight years, at a salary 
of 1500 dollars per year. 

It is proper to state, as a part of the history of tlie times, that at the 
lagislative term of 1853, a powerful effort was made to impeach Judge 
Hubbell for alleged misconduct in office. But the effort failed. After a 
searching and protracted trial, he was honorably acquitted, and on his 
return from Madison to Milwaukee, was greeted with popular demonstra- 
tions of favor at various places, and especially at his home. The impeach- 
ment proceeding has lonii- been regarded as tne offspring of personal and 
partisan jealousy. 

At the very commencement of the late rebellion, notwithstanding his 
life long relations to the Democratic party, Judge Hubbell, like his friend 
Douglas, avowed his determination to stand by the government, and this 
resolution he maintained faithfully by his pen and voice and influence, to 
the end of the war. 

In 1863, he was elected, as a Loyal Democrat to the Legislative assem- 
bly of the state ; and throughout the session, supported every measure 
calculated to sustain the array or overthrow tlie rebellion. He is now 
practicing law, in the city of Milwaukee. 



HON. RICHAKD W. HUBBELL. 

County Judge of Oconto County, is 29 years of age, and is a native of 
Ithaca, New York. He came to Wisconsin, with his father, Hon. Levi 
Hubbell, in Jane 1844 ; and after graduating at the State University 
at Madison, pursued legal studies in his father's office, and was admitted 
to the bar, early in the summer of 1862. 

Immediately thereafter, in persuanco of a previous design, he joined 
the defenders of his country, enlisting as a private, in the 24th Kegiment 
of Wisconsin Vols, His patriotic example had mucli influence in lead- 
ing other young men in high social position, to take their places in the 
ranks and peril their lives for the life of their govornment. In this posi- 
tion, he continued until after the battles of Perryville and Murfrees- 
boro, enduring the several hardships of the service. 



154 BioGKAriiY. 

In the .spi'iug of 1S63, liaviug been promoted to 1st Lieat. of Wis. 
Vols., he returned to Milwaukee, and assisted in recruiting and organiz- 
ing Co. B. of 1st Batt. Wis. Heavy Art'y, of which he was comuaiasioned 
Sen. 1st Lieut., and afterwards, captain. In tliis capacity, ho had 
command of Fort Clay, at Lexington, Ky., for nearly a year, at the 
same time being detailed as Provost Marshal of the district, and being 
a volunteer aid of Gen. Bnrbridge, in the decisive battle of Cynthiana. 

His battallion, soon after, having been increased to a regiment, Capt. 
Hubbell was commissioned Major, and ordered- to Alexandria, Virginia. 
There ho remaincfl, in command of different fortiGcntions, until his re- 
giment returned to Milwaukee, in June, ISG.O. 

In the summer of 186G, Major Hubbell opened a law office, in the 
village (now flourishing city), of Oconto, in this state, where he has 
been twice elected county judge, which office he still holds, while en- 
gaged in the general practice of his professio:!. 



Hon. JAMES MALLOKY 

was born ami educated in New York. He studied law at" Buffalo, and 
Avas admitted to the bar as i\.ttorney and Counsellor of all the courts of 
the state in 1850. He emigrated to Milwaukee in 1851, held tho office 
of District Attorney of Milwaukee County from 1854 to 1858, and has 
been judge of the Municipal Court of Milwaukee, City and County of 
Milwaukee, since 1861. Ho is also an Attorney and Counsellor of the 
Supreme Court of the United States. 



JOSEPH PHILLIPS 

was born in Obcrroederu, in the province of Alsace, iu France, on tlie 
6th day of November A. D. 1825.' He was educated in his native town, 
and emigrated to the United States in the year 1838, landing in New 
Y'ork City, and penetrating westward as far as Buffalo, wdicre he resided 
until 1842, engaged in mercantile business, as clerk and accountant. He 
came to Milwaukee in 1846, and engaged in the mercantile business till 
1861, when he Avas elected City Treasurer. He was reelected iu 1862 ; 
during the years 1859 and 1860, he was Alderman and Supervisor, and 
during the years 1864. 1865 and 1866 was a promiiient member of the 
common council of the City of 31ilwaukce. 

In 1866 he was elected to the state legislature and re-elected in 1867 
and was again elected to the legislature in 18G9. In the year 1870 he 



BlOGUAPHY. l''>5 

was elected Mayor of the city of Milwaukee, in wliicli position he lias 
proved to be a watchful guardian upon all occasions of the financial affairs 
of the city, and an enemy to every practice which, in his opinion was 
calculated to lower the moral standard of the people 

Actuated no doubt by a due sense of public duty, the mayor's first 
message to the common council suggested, among other things, the pro- 
priety of closing certain places of public amusements on Sundays, which 
suggestion gave rise to the well known "dance house" ordinance. To 
suggest any measure tending to curtail the Sunday amusements and hab- 
itual enjoyments of the masses, especially the G-ermans, required consid- 
erable moral courage, on the part of the chief magistrate. Ilabit be- 
comes a second nature ; therefore the Grermans, long accustomed at home 
and abroad to unrestricted liberty to amuse themselves on the Sabbath , 
the only day they have to rest from labor and indulge in their favourite 
beverage, looked upon these innovations as an undue infringement on 
their natural rights ; and convinced that no one had a right to interfere 
with what they considered their natural right, the masses of the Germans 
refused to obey the city ordinance. 

On the next Sabbath, the usual places of amusement, including the 
"dance houses", were more than usually crowded, and eloquent speeches 
delivered, setting the city ordlaance at defiance; adding, as an argument 
in favor of natural rights, that the ordinance was unconstitutional, and 
contrary to any existing law . 

The leaders among the crovrds were summoned to appear before the 
municipal judge on the next day to account for their disobedience. The 
city Attorney vras in attendance, on part of the city authorities, also the 
violators of the law, attended by able counsel, and after having heard 
the arguments on both sides, the judge decided that the law, under 
which they tried the case, was unconstitutional, and dismissed the com- 
plaint. The city attorney, doubting the justice of the decision, asked 
the city authorities leave to bring the case for trial in a superior courts 
which the board of council granted, but was refused by a majority of the 
board of aldermen. So the case rests in statu quo, and the G-ermans 
dance and drink their beer as usual. 

3Ir. Phillips through life has borne a high character as a business man, 
and now enjoys amply tlie fruits of perseverance, industry, strict honesty, 
and straiirhtforward conduct in all his mercantile transactions. 



A. R. R. BUTLER 

was born in Vermont, September 4th, 1821, reai-ed in Genesee County, 
in the state of New York. He received an academical education, at 



156 BiooR.\piiY. 

a classical school in Alexandria, Genesee County ; read law in Buifalo, 
and commenced the practice of his profession at Milwaukee in 184G ; 
was elected district attorney of Milwaukee County soon after he located 
in Milwaukee, and hold that appointment for three terms, or six years. 
He once allowed his name to be used for member of the Assembly, and 
took his place as such for one winter, and is still in full practice of his pro- 
fession. 

The subject of this sketch, who has always stood high in his profession, 
was once pressed by his friends to run for the place of Chief Justice of 
the Supreme Court, but declined the honor intended by his friends. As 
an adviser in matters involving intricate law points, and as an advocate 
before a jury, few could if any, be found, superior to Mr. Butler. 



JAMES G. JENKINS. 

James G. Jenkins was born in New York ia 1S34 ; came to Wisconsin 
in ] 857 ; was city attorney of Milwaukee for four years ; president of 
the Young Mens' Association ; member of the board of School Commiss- 
ioners : and is now practiesing at his profession, as a lawyer. 

As a young lawyer, Mr. Jenkins has considerable practice ; is re- 
markable for his quickness in taking advantage of any favourable point 
that might incidontly arise in the course of a trial; sticking with unflinch- 
ing pertinacity to his own objections and arguments ; and only yielding to 
his opponent, when everything that ingenuity and legal knowledge could 
suggest, is entirely exhausted. 



II. A. STAKIC 

of Milwaukee was born at Leroy, Geneva County, New York, November 
21st, 1831, and came to Milwaukee in 183G. From 184G till 1850, he 
was engaged in printing in the Atilwauhee Sentinel office with his 
father, and with Messrs. Wilson and King. When his father, Elisha 
Starr, was appointed Post Master, he acted with him, as assistant Post 
Master till his removal. In 1851 he embarked with his father in the 
book and job printing business, under the firm known as Starr and Son 
and was actively engaged in the trade till the rebellion, when he raised 
a company for the 1st Wisconsin Infantry in July 1861 at his own ex- 
pense, and remained with the regiment till promoted to the rank of 
Major in 20th Wisconsin Infantry, July 3d, 1862. 

The 20tH Fteeiment left the state on the 31st of August 1862. 



BlOGRAl'IIY. 157 

The priucipal engagements in which the 20th Wisconsin took part were 
Prairie Grove, Ark., Springfield, Mo., Vickshurg, Miss., Yazoo City, 
Miss., Morganzia, La. Brownsville, Texas, Spanish Fort, Mobile, Ala, 
He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment July 11th, 18G3, 
and mustered out of the service July l4th, 1865. On October 7th 
186G, Colonel Starr was appointed Post Master of Milwaukee, which po- 
sition he occupied till February, 1869, when he was removed. 

While in the army, Colonel Starr was attentive and kind to the men 
under his command, and had the reputation of being a brave aud intrepid 
officer, aud while acting as Post Master of Milwaukee, his general conduct 
gave universal satisfaction. 

EDWAKD O'NEILL, 

A native of Kilkenny, Ireland, immigrated to the United States in the 
spring of 1837. He resided for several years in the state of Vermont, 
in 1850 meved to Milwaukee, and for many years vfas engaged in the 
mercantile business. Since his residence in Milwaukee he has occupied 
many prominent positions, having been a member of the state legis- 
lature for four successive years, two 3^ears in each branch. He was for 
nine years a member of the board of school commissioners, four of which 
he was president of the board. He is at present a member of the board 
of managers of the State Reform School, a position which he has filled for 
the past 8 years, 5 of which he has occupied the position of president. In 
1863 he was elected Mayor of Milwaukee and served in that capacity for 
four years, the first and last year of which he vras elected without oppo- 
sition. He has just been elected President of the Bank of Commerce^, 
which has been organized within a few days in our city. 



• JOHN PLANKINTON. 

John Plankinton came to the city of Milwaukee in 1844, and com- 
menced business with a capital, not exceeding five hundred dollars. He 
was once elected in the board of supervisors, and once on the board of 
common council. In both capacities he commanded attention by reason 
of his common sense views of all the questions submitted for discussion. 
Few persons in the state have had so prosperous a career as the subject 
at the head of this short history. By hard labor, strict attention to busi- 
ness, moderate caution, and clear foresight, Mr. Plankinton with the 
above scanty capital and a good name, soon made a foi'tuue in the provi- 
sion trade in which he has been and is still engaged Some idea may be 
formed of the extent of his trade from the fact, thi.t his yearly outlay in 
the purchase of packing barrels alone amounts to $100,000. 



158 BlOGUAPIlY. 

JOHN PIXLEY 

came to 3Iil\vauke.e in IboG, when the city was iu its infancy. Ininie- 
diatcly on his arrival, he engaged in the mercantile business, which he 
pursued with considerable success for six years, at the end of which time 
he commenced to speculate in real estate and in money matters, in which 
he still continues. His attention to business, strict integrity, and frugal 
habits, have placed him in affluent circumstances, without mnking much 
noise or show. His quiet, obliging and unobtrusive manner has gained 
for Mr. Pixley the good opinion and esteem of those who have enjoyed 
liis acquaintance. He is a good member of the old settlers' club and a 
living witness of a village growing into a magnificent city. 



INCKEASE A. LAPHAM, 

was born in Palmyra, Ontario, (now Wayne,) New York, March 7th, 
1811, and came to Milwaukee July 1st, 1836. He published a work on 
Wisconsin in 1844 — a geological map of Wisconsin in 1855 and 1869, 
and Antiquities of Wisconsin in 1855. Tlie degree of LL. D. was 
conferred on him by the college of Amherst in 1860, He was elected 
president of the Wisconsin Historical Society in 1842. 



BEMJAMIN BAGNALL. 

Benjamin Bagnall came to Milwaukee, April 1842, from Lancaster, in 
Yorkshire, England, was engaged in mercantile business from that time 
to 1844, after which, he embarked in the lumber trade, which, with his 
first business, he carried on for ten years, and since then, he has been 
exclusively in the lumber trade in which he has acquired a considerable 
property — owns ships &c. Mr. Bagnall, liaving acquired a cerapetent 
fortune, has retired from business. 



J. B. STEMPER 

came to Milwaukee in May, 1846 from Luxemburg, in (jrcrmany. He 
was engaged in farming in the town of Oak Creek, and was Deputy 
Sherifi: in I860. After this he was justice of the peace and supervisor 
of the town of Franklin for seven years. In 1868 he was elected to the 
office of Register of Deeds of the County of Milwaukee, which office he 
still holds. Having occupied so many places for sucfe a length of time, 
he must have discharged his duty w^ith satisfaction. The author has done 
a food deal of business in Mr. Stemper's office, and always found him 
attentive and obliging. 



Industrial Mesourckj 159 

It is estimated that at least nine-tenths of the load shipped at Galena, 
is raised in Wisconsin, leaving Illinois and Iowa only the remaining one- 
tenth; and this is more than compensated for by the amount of lead shipped 
from Potosi, Milwaukee, and Chicago, of which no estimate is made. 

Some curious facts, relating to the statistics of the lead region in the 
south-west portion of our state, may be gathered from the report of a 
committee, appointed some two years ago, to inquire into the actual state 
of the mining interests of that particular portion of the state of Wiscon- 
sin. The first astonishing fact, established by that committee, is, that 
[n the mining counties, containing a population of only 45,229, at the 
time, and with a taxable property of about four millions of dollars, tiie 
lead product of the year 1851 was $1,380,015, and that of the average 
for 11 years has been $1,609,080, while the total exports (lead ex. 
cepted) from the ports of Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, Port Washington 
and Sheboygan, during the last year (1851) was only $2,039,547, though 
the counties in which these- ports are situated, and tbose connected with 
them, commercially, contain a population of 227,996, and have a taxable 
property of nearly ^20,000,000. From these facts it may be inferred 
that the average produce of lead, for the eleven years above exhibited, 
v/ould give to every man, womaa, and child , in the mining counties, the 
sum of $36,90, and yield a return of 42 cents on the dollar, on all the 
taxable property. 

On the other hand, the exports frem the lake counties, and these com- 
mercially connected with them, give to every individual of the popula- 
tion, only the small sum of $8,94, and yield only lOi cents to the dollar 
on the assessed value of the taxable property in those counties. From 
this it appears that if tested by the criterion of population, the exports 
of the mining counties, during the above eleven years, exceed those of 
the agricultural counties in the proportion of about four to one ; and if 
tested by the criterion of the assessed valuation of taxable propertj^, they 
exceed thera in the proportion of more than thi*ee to one. 

Thougli these proportions are deducible from the above tables, yet it 
does not follow that the absolute advantages of the miner over the agri- 
culturist, are as great as these ratios would lead one to suppose. The 
a"-riculturisfc consumes a large portion of his produce in and about his 
homestead; he sells a portion to the storekeeper, to the miner, to the 
lumberman, and to others not engaged, like himself, in tilling tne 
o-round ; and the balance is shipped to the seaport, for sale at a dis- 
tance. But all the lead raised by the miner is shipped. — Hence it fol- 
lows that the apparent odds agaiust the farmer, as comparod with the 
miner, are not so great, by which, their chances of success approaches to 
t}ie ratio of equality. It must, however, h(? acknowleged that no mining 



160 OF Wisconsin. 

region in tLe known world combines a surface of such fertility, iind in 
every way suited to farming purposes, with a sub-stratum of such mineral 
wealtli, as the lead-bearing district, reported on by the couimittee ap- 
pointed for that purpose. 

The following table, exhibiting tho lead products and population ol" 
three former years, is still more favorable to the miner as giving each 
individual a greater return than that deduced from the above table , 
Year. Population Value of lead exp Am't to each pcrson- 

1845, 2,27a ,^1.176,073 $95,90 

184G, 30,605, 1,920,317 62,74 

1847, 33,414, 2,039,972 60,15 

The history of mining affords no parallel to the results here exhibited. 
In 1845 each individual of the population could count nearly f 96, which, 
if multiplied by the population of 1850, would give the aggregate value 
of lead exported, $29,000,000. At present, and for some years past, there 
appears to be a great want of hands to work the mines, owing to the pre- 
valence of the California gold fever, which seduced numbers from our 
mines, which always yield them good wages. For many years the opera, 
tions of mining were confined almost exclusively to raising the surface 
mineral, or that portion of the great land deposit which was not under 
water, and which could be raised without removing the water ■ — the re- 
movin,c of which required the employment of no other machinery than 
the pick and shovel of the miner, and Kis rude windlass. There were, it 
is true, some few experiments made in removing the water with pumps 
worked by horse power, and, in two instances, by steam. These experi- 
ments proved the fallacy of the opinion entertained by some, that mineral 
did not exist in the water, and demonstrated that the mineral not only 
existed below the water line, but that it gradually increased in quality, 
ia proportion to the depth to which it is followed : and there is no doubt 
from all the information which experience and observation furnish, that 
the mineral will be found to exist to tho depth that the lead-bearing rock 
extends, which is more than two hundred feet below the bed of tlie lar- 
gest stream. 

A great portion of the mining district is traversed by deep ravines, 

from which tunnels might be run to different localities containing the ore. 
Through these tunnels, the water, which so much impedes the operations 
of mining, might be removed, to the depth, in some places, of one hundred 
and fifty feet. Into these tunnels may be pumped w'ater to a still lower 
depth, hy which the miner would be enabled to carry on his operations to 
a pretty considerable depth, at a comparatively small expenditure of power 
or capital. It is very much to be regretted that the load mines of Wis- 
consin are not worked with sufficient capital and skill. It is very probable 



Industrial Rksources l6l 

that the want of capital is the chief cause of the rapid decline in opera- 
tions in this State. When- T travelled through these mining districts last 
fall, (1852.) they appeared to be deserted, except where an occasional 
solitary person was employed digging up the surface, in search of mineral, 
his only implement being a spade. Wherever a shaft had been sunk, the 
operations of mining and pumping were conducted on very primitive prinf 
eiples indeed — all for want of skill and capital, both of which might be 
invested in these mines, with a much surer prospect of a profitable return, 
than is held out in any other lead region in the world. 

It appears to me that the principal lead basins of Wisconsin have been 
scarcely touched, the miners having confined their operations to the edges 
of the great deposits, and to the decomposed surface. As to geological 
science, it is never called into requisition. This is also the opinion o- 
Mr. Phillips, a practieal miner well acquainted with these districts. It 
is to be hoped that a more regular and scientific system will in future be 
adopted, under the guidance of the State Geologist recently appointed, 
to explore the mineral treasures of the State. 

A company has been recently formed, whose labors are to be confined 
to La Fayette County, where new mines have been recently discoveredt 
These mines give great promiso of a very rich supply of mineral. Almos 
every day new mines are discovered, but when the top mineral is picked 
out, all is abandoned. Two uew leads have been recently discovered at 
Potosi, near Plattev ille, in Grant County. Lead ore exists in Portage 
County, on the west side of the Wisconsin Ptiver, about two miles from, 
its bank. This mine is supposed to be of tolerable extent, and the quali- 
ty of the mineral good. This mine has not yet been worked. Lead ore 
exists in Sauk County, in several localities along the'^Baraboo Valley. I 
have seen specimens from the town of Garrison, which contained some 
lead. 

The average price of lead has been steadiiy increasing, year after year, 
yet it is to be regretted that the mineral produce is gradually diminishing 
In 1847, the price of lead was $3,60 per lbs., and in 1852 it was $4,10 
on the levee at Galena. 

Zinc, being in general demand for numerous purposes, might be profit- 
able raised in Wisconsin, Where slate is not used for covering buildings, 
large quantities of sheet zinc would doubtless command a ready market, 
not only in this and the adjoining States, but in the Atlantic States also. 
It lies on the surface at the Wisconsin mines, where it is considered a 
nuisance, while the common brass imported from England contains upwards 
of 13 pret. of that metal. The large quantities of copper and zinc imported 
into the States, from England, proves how little we improve all the natural 
wealth which is treasured up. in our State like a sealed book. Every day 

11 



162 OF Wisconsin. 

England pours into the eastern cities thousands of tons of iron for rail 
road purposes, while in Wisconsin it may be found of the very best quali- 
ty, and in quantity inexhaustible. Immeasurable quantities of iron frag- 
ments may be found scattered over the surface in many of the tov^nships,. 
especially in the Missouri limestone on the Wisconsin Eiver, aud so rich 
as to be perfectly chrystalized. I have seen iron on the surface over a 
large district, sume of it being hematite of such purity as to yield, so far 
as I could judge without making any analysis, from 40 to 60 per cent, of 
the metal. Why, then, in the name of comon sense, do we import from 
England, while mountains of this ore are lying useless in many parts of 
our State, with fuel, water power, and limestone for flux are at hand. 

There are parts of the district, however, though abounding with iron, 
which are not favorable to the smelting of that metal, on account of the 
scarcity of fuel, which is an item in this branch of industry not to be left 
out of the account. Iron ore of unlimited extent and of great purity may 
be found at Lake Superior, in the Baraboo district, and at the Iron 
Ridge in Dodge and Washington counties. This mouHtain, extending 
several miles in length, would be sufficient to supply ore in any required 
quantity, both for home consumption and exportation. A company has 
been recently organized to manufacture this ore into rails, and for domes- 
tic utensils, which cannot fail to realize a good profit on their capital, and 
confer to the State a lasting benefit. Private individuals* are also mak- 
ing preparations to manufacture iron in this district on a large scale for 
various purposes. A.n iron foundry has been commenced at Horicon,. 
where the prospects are favorable. 

Few persons are aware of the enormous sums of money sent out of our 
State for articles of iron. According to the increase of our population, 
during the last ten years, it is not too much to estimate our present pop- 
ulation at 570,000. And allowing five persons to every dwelling, we 
have at present 114,000 houses in the State. If we suppose that each 
house has two stoves, and that each stove, with pipe and other fixings, 
average $15, the money sent out of the state for that single article would 
amount to $3,360,000. Add to this the sum sent out of the State 'to 
purchase nails, pots, pans, iron ploughs, tools of every description, rod 
and bar iron, and numerous other articles indispensable in their use to 
almost every house-holder, and the aggregate sum would far exceed any- 
thing which most persons could form an idea of. The length of rail road 
now in course of construction, and of others in contemplation, cannot fall 
far short of 17(0 millions, which would require an outlay, in the article 



*The company lately organized, called the Northwestern Iron Co. — is composed 
of the loUowing persons : J. L. Bean, Pres., Jonas.Tower. James Ladington. 



Industkial Kesourcks l63 

of iron alone, of $1!^, 012, 200, wbicli sum, in addition to the above, must 
be sent out ef the State, in the event of oui* not converting our own 
resources to their legitimate uses. Very few bestow a thought on the 
enormous national amount required to purchase articles of indispensable 
use in every family. Every house has, or ought to have, the following 
articles ; an axe, a hammer, and a spade ; and estimating the number 
of houses at 114,000, the sum required to purchase these would amount 
to $256,500. 

I have dwelt at some length on the money value of articles in general 
use in our State, from a conviction that all might be manufactm-ed here 
with greater economy than any where else I know of, on account of the 
abundance and excellence of our ore, and the quantity of charcoal within 
our reach, with the facilities which will soon be afforded by our roads and 
navigable rivers of procuring coal from distant places. The various 
peculiar properties of iron adapt it, in an unparelleled degree, to thousands 
of industrial purposes for which no other metal is available. What art 
in any civilized nation on earth can be brought to any degree of perfec- 
tion without the use of iron V Deprive the most prosperous and enlight- 
ened country on the face of the globe of the use of iron, and that country 
must soon sink into semi-barbarism. Take away the plow and harrow, 
the spade and shovel, the crow-bar and pick-axe from the farmer, and he 
will be obliged to seek for a living on the running stream, and among the 
wilds of the forest ; to be followed by every one requiring food for his 
support. Take away from the tailor his needle, from the shoemaker his 
awl, from the carqenter his tools, from the mason his trowel and hammer, 
and I ask, to what state society would be reduced. Take from the sailor 
his anchor, and he is sure to be ship -wrecked. So it would appear that 
whether we require delicacy of form, or massive strength ; elasticity or 
rigidity ; softness or hardness of material, iron is that material which 
satisfies all our wants, and fulfills every required condition. It is only 
where iron can be obtained in abundance, and on reasonable terms, that 
agriculture can be pursued with advantage; all the trades requiring tools, 
practiced with success ; and civilization advanced amongst a people. 
Indeed, I recognize in iron one of the chief agents of comfort, convenience, 
civilization and happiness. Without it, no nation can emerge from a 
state of semi-barbarism, and the most eulightenel must necessarily degen- 
erate. 

These various peculiar properties of iron, fitting it so wonderfully for 
so many uses in all the concerns of life, give it a money value which 1 
deem it necessary to notice, as it will be found to affect the circumstances 
of this State, as regards the manufacture of iron, which, so far as the ore 
itself is concerened, costs little ; but which under the guidance of mechan- 



164 OF Wisconsin. 

ieal skill and labor, amounts to sums that Vut those only in the business 
could imagine, or have any idea of I could not, perhaps, select an 
example which shows so strikingly the value which skill and labor are 
capable of giving to iron, more to my purpose, than by exhibiting the 
result given by Babbage and Fordenburg of five dollars worth of iron 
when converted into — 

Ordinary machinery, § 20 

Large ornamental work, 225 

Buckles, bellin work, 3,300 

Neck chains, 0,930 

Shirt buttons, 29,480 

To this example of money value given to iron, I shall add another - 
the quantity of iron used being worth only five dollars : — 

Horse shoes, $ 12|- 

Table knives, 180 

Needles, 355 

Pen knife blades, 3,285 

Polished buttons and buckles 4,485 

Balance springs of watches, 250,000 

The above is the money value given to iron in England by skill and 
labor ; but according to the value of labor in Milwaukee. ^5 worth o 
iron would, when manufactured into horse shoos, come to $18,75. If the 
other branches of manufacturing industry were carried on in Milwaukee, 
at proportionably high prices for labor, $5 worth of iron would fetch 
•1375,000. At this rate, the quantity of iron in the "Iron Ridge" alone 
would be more than sufficient to pay off all the national debt of England. 
I do not arrive at this conclusion from guess work — the result is found 
by calculation, founded on tolerably correct data. This more than any- 
thing I am aware of, establishes the honest claim of labor, combined with 
skill, to respect. The ore in the ground or scattered over the surface, 
is literally worth nothing, but under skill and labor, may be converted 
into the current coin of the country of countless amount. The same may 
be said of the agricultural soil, or of any other raw material, which, in 
general, is worthless, till submitted to skillful labor. Hence, skillfu 
labor is the foundation of national wealth. 

Iron is found in many other places, but especially at Lake Superior, 
where its quality is of unparelleled richness. I have seen specimens 
from Lake Superior, which far surpassed the richest I have seen in any 
other part of the world. 

Copper ore of a singular character is found between the Mississippi and 
Kickapoo. It is of a light green color, with a waxy lustre and fracture, 
and very brittle. This ore is disseminated through ferugiuous earthy 



Industrial Resodrses 165 

matter, composed chiefly of the brown oxide of iron. It was discovered 
in 1843, on a small tributary which runs west into the Misssissippi. This 
small tributary is called Copper Creek, and the place where the copper 
was found is only four miles and a half from the Kiekapoo. The bed 
containing this ore is from 12 to 15 feet wide, and from 5 to 7 feet deep 
spreading out as it descends the slope, to 30 feet wide. This mine lies 
well for drainage, and the ore is of a description easily reduced in the 
furnace, and yields about 20 per cent, of pure copper. The person that 
discovered this mine, (Mr. Sterling,) sent 24,000 lbs. of the ore to be 
smelted at mineral point, and it yielded 23 per cent, of good copper. 
Copper ore is also said to have been discovered on the Baraboo, but its 
geological position has not been ascertained Carson and Sterling, of 
Mineral Point, discovered copper not far from the Kiekapoo mines, not 
dissimilar in character to that found at this place. 

The lower magnesian limestone north of the Wisconsin Kiver presents 
numerous metaliferous indications, more promising than the upper, it be- 
ing a well known geological fact, that the lower and older rock (all other 
things being equal,) is more likely to contain metallic minerals than a 
rock more distant from the source. Lead ore has been discovered in a 
cherty bed of the inferior part of the lower magnesian limestone, north of 
the mouth of the Kiekapoo River. On the opposite side of the same 
valley, Hearn and Ward obtained masses of galena weighing 15 lbs. 
Hearn and Miller discovered some lead ore in the hills at the first great 
western bend of the Kickahoo, a little below the mouth of Plumb Greek. 
Half a mile south of the aforesaid. Burns and Miller procured lead ore. 
Lead ore was discovered in several parts ()f this locality, and vestiges of 
ancient diggings made by the Indians are to be seen to this day. 

Mr. Randall, to whom was assigned the exploration of some of the 
tributaries of the Upper Mississippi, found it impracticable io survey, by 
means of the needle, some of the localities not far from the Falls of Black 
River, on account of the large quantiiies of iron, with which the soil was 
impregnated. 

On the east side of the Chippewa River, and a short distance below 
Allen's Mills, is an extensive deposit of brown oxide of iron, which is of 
a variety easily wrought in the furnace. Rennet's Portage, twelve miles 
above Vermillion Rapids, presents the most important upheaval to be 
met with on the Chippewa, and from its geological formation, it is mure 
than probable that, when explored, it will be found to repay abundantly 
for the time devoted to the search, Trappean and conglomerate rocks 
being considered favorable to the existence of metalic minerals, the idea 
long prevalent through the Lake Superior country, that hidden treasure 
is abundant in that vicinity^ has been more than realized by recent dis- 



16G OF Wisconsin. 

coveries. The upper rapids on the Bois Brulo lliver is composed of a 
rock rather peculiar in its cliaractor. It is crystalline, and has iron 
disseminated through it, with large quantities of labrador felspar. 

Pieces of native copper have been frequently found in the vicinity of 
a trap range upon the St. Croix River, A sample of copper ore from 
the falls of the St. Croix, was found to contain 5 4 parts of protoxide of 
copper. 1.5,5 of oxide of iron, manganese, and alumina. Specimens o^ 
copper from the same vein were found to contain 19.72 per cent, of pure 
copper. On Spawn Eiver a vein of copper ore has been discovered by 
Mr. C. H. Oakes, of La Pointe, who also found some specimens of Na^ 
tiveCopper in the bed of Piush liiver. Specimens of black oxide of 
copper are found in the trap range that crosses near the mouths 
of Snake and Kettle rivers. In the same locallity are large boulders 
containing native cop[)r,'r. On Left Hand lliver and its tributaries, cop- 
per ore has been found in large quantities. Ten per cent, were extract- 
ed from inferior specimens of this ore. 

The mineral district of Lake Superior, which is now receiving that 
attention which its vast importance deserves, lies principally in the State 
of Michigan, but the discovery of copper ore on the Menomonee, the 
Baraboo, and Kickapoo rivers, renders the idea probable that the region 
of country between Lake Superior and the mineral district south of the 
Wisconsin contains hidden treasures, which time and indefatigable indust- 
ry will bring to light. . Magnetic iron ore occurs in many parts of the 
State. It is found on the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. 
It may be seen on the shore near Milwaukee, and among the rocks disin- 
terred at Walker's Point, in cutting down the hills for grading purposes. 
I have observed magnetic iron ore at Sheboygan, at the mouth of the 
Bois Brule, and many other places. 

Good roads and capital would render the Lake Superior district a most 
desirable place for persons of active habits. Some of the lands are valu- 
able, not only on account of their mineral treasures, but for their heavy 
timber, which every year is becoming more valuable. The proximity to 
the great mines, which are now in active operation, and the prime quality 
of some of the land for farming purposes, are circumstances which must 
render farming in this region highly profitable. Want of good roads is 
the great drawback ; but from tlie enterprising spirit of some of Ihe 
inhabitants, this great desideratum will soon be supplied. A rail road 
twelve miles long is to be constructed next season from the Iron mines to 
Carp lliver, whicli will facilitate operations considerably. There are em- 
ployed on the southern sliore of Lake Superior 710 miners and copper 
cutters, 800 surface men and meciiauics, and 500 other citizens. Pota- 
toes are worth ^1 per bushel; turnips 75 cts per bushel ; liay $25 a ton; 
oats, in the bundle, Sj^30 a Um. The wages of miners average $50 per 



Industrial Resources 167 

month ; surface men ^2G per month ; good mechanics $45 per month ; 
team and driver from $4 to ^5 per day. The short canal which will open 
a ready communication between Lake Superior and the lower lakes, in 
connection with rail road communication with Milwaukee, as recommenced 
bj Col. Whittlesey, late of the United States Geological Corps, will ren- 
der the Lake Superior district one of great importrnce. 



CHAPTER VII. 



Having given the localities of some of the most important minerals em- 
ployed in the arts, it will doubtless be expected that in a work like the 
present, a general representation of all the mineral resources of the coun- 
try shall be given, as well as the extent to which these resources are cap- 
'able of being developed. To accomplish this, it will be necessary to 
point out the different species of rocks that compose the surface of the 
State ; the manner in which they are arranged, and the different fa«ts 
connected with their composition, as regards their adaptation to buildino-, 
to agriculture, and to other domestic and industrial purposes In giving 
this brief outline of the common rocks of the country, and their general 
arrangement, nothing like a geological essay, full in detail, is intended ; 
my object being simply to show how they may be made available for the 
purposes just mentioned. 

Before entering upon a brief geological outline of Wisconsin, it may be 
necessary to observe, that one unacquainted with the science of geology 
may suppose', that the rocks composing the crust of our globe, are thrown 
together indiscriminately without arrangement, or order ; but upon a 
closer examination and a wider range of observation, it will appear that 
the order of super-position among all the rocks is regular and constant, 
that is, the various strata or layers overlie each other in an unbroken 
order. In some places, however, a stratum or layer may be entirely 
wanting, and the order of super-position may be somewhat deranged at 
the junction of two formations, arising from some disturbing force. The 
base, or lowest stratum, is granite, green stone, or some similar chrysta- 
line rock produced, by heat. Above these are deposited the primary 
rocks, such as gneiss, mica, slate, primitive limestone, &c. Immediately 
above these are the mountain limestone, the bituminous coal fields, the 
saline rocks, and the chalk, which are denominated secondary rocks. 
Above these rocks are the tertiary series, containing a succession of ma- 



168 OF Wisconsin. 

rine and fresh water deposit. And above this last series are found the 
recent surface deposits. These several strata, resting on the primitive 
rocks, have been deposited by water in a horizontal position, or very 
nearly so. 

This constant order of succession, with a knowledge of the fact that 
certain minerals are almost invariably found only in particular formations, 
gives the geologist an unerring guide to look for minerals where alone 
they can be found. These rocks, which must have been originally depos- 
ited in a horizontal position, at various angles, some indeed standing ver- 
ticalley. We can easily imagine that the position of these rocks was 
disturbed by a force from beneath, which elevated them at different 
angles. This elevating force from beneath has produced its effects about 
Lake Superior and many other parte of the State. It has elevated many 
mountains, thrown up islands, and rent rocks asunder. This disturbing 
force has rendered accessible to us numerous minerals, which otherwise 
would have remained hidden till the end of time. It has likewise expos- 
ed to view numerous fossils, whose presence is an evidence of the identity 
of geological strata. This force, which at one time might have proved 
destructive, was destined to produce mineral wealth accessible to millions 
in after ages. 

Subterranean heat once fused the srold of California and forced it to 

o 

the surface, where it is now picked up by thousands from every nation 
and from every clime. It was subterranean heat that burst the incum- 
bent rock, and forced the fused granite and porphyry to the highest 
altitude among the Alleghanies and the Andes. 

In giving a brief sketch of the geology of Wisconsin, it may be well to 
divide it into districts, beginning with the mountain or carboniferous 
limestone, which extends from Lake Michigan west and north-west to 
the geodiferous, or, as Dr. Locke calls it, cliff limestone, and to the sand- 
stone formations. This extensive limestone district extends from Mack- 
inaw along the lake shore till it dips under the rocks of the coal formation 
in the State of Illinois. These two points limit its extent in a north and 
south direction. The very few oi'ganic remains it contains indicate its 
affinity to the carboniferous limestone formation which forms the basis on 
which the coal-bearing rocks rest. As the order of super-position of 
rocks is never inverted, the position of these deposits, which is nearly 
horizontal, holds out no great prospect of supplying coal to any great ex- 
tent. What were supposed to be small fragments of coal were found in 
the vicinity of Lake Winnebago and at Milwaukee, but what I have seen 
in these placec was only common shale. 



Industrial Resources 169" 

The limestone of this eastern, or Lake district, when burned, affords 
very pure lime. Its appearance in the quarry would lead one to suppose 
that it contains a considerable quantity ofearthj'or Scndy particles, which 
however is not the case. It occurs near the surface in many localities 
I have seen it at Waukesha, in the township of Lisbon, up the Menomonee 
River, and other places ; some of it splits with a tolerably straight edge- 
and of nearly equal thickness. Though this stone is very rough, 3'^et 
some of it answers well for building purposes and for side-walks. In 
Waukesha, it is full of nodules of flint, which give it the appearance of a 
brechia. The quarry at Waukesha contains fossils, not, however, in 
great quantities. The color of this limestone is alight grey, but in some 
places, it is of a dirty yellow oolor. The facility with which some of this 
stone crumbles, under atmospheric influence, and the difiiculty of cleavage 
render it unfit for building. In general, it presents a very uneven surface, 
and, in most cases, is full of cavities. It is easily burnt, and makes good 
lime, Two or three lime-kilns in the vicinity of Milwaukee are doing a 
good business. 

This limestone contains pyrites of iron, in some places, in great abund- 
ance, and sulphuret of zinc, and gypsum, or plaster of paris, which is 
well known to be of great value to the farmer. Cavities have been found 
in this rock along the lake shore, containing bitumen, both liquid and 
solid. In the former state it is not found in sufficient quantities to war- 
rant an outlay of time to collect it for medicinal purposes-'. 

Water lime is found in Jefferson County, which is represented as very 
good, and promises to bring a considerable profit to the owner. I have 
seen water limestone on the bank of the Rock River, near Janesville. It 
is found under the sandstone, and over silicious rock, which I describe 
in another place, as fit for making glass. Iron pyrites are .found in large 
quantities in the rock, vvhich might become of some importance in the 
manufacture of oil of vitriol ; iron pyrites being a substitute for sulphur. 

Marble has been recently found in Manitowoc County, which, it liis 
hoped will be a source of profitable employment. Its color is white, and 
takes a good polish ; but the extent to which it runs is not known. The 
quarry is to be worked in the course of the present year. I have seen a 
specimen of good white marble_^from the Lake Superior district. Time 
will disinter quantities of this rock. A block of marble was sent from 
Richland County, to be placed in the Washington Monument, which is 
said to be of good puality. 

A bed of potter's clay, equal in quality to any in the Union, and inex- 
haustible in quantity, has been discovered on the banks of Fox River^ 
between Appleton and Neenah. 



170 OF Wisconsin. 

Milwaukee produces brick clay of a very superior quality and beautiful 
•color, somewhat resembling cream color. There are several kilns in full 
operation in the vicinity of the town, which supply it, as well as other 
towns, with large quantities of brick for building purposes. These bricks 
are now generally used in the better class of houses instead of lumber. 
Besides the durability of brick, as compared with lumber, the protection 
it affords from tires, and its appearance, ought to be sufficient to recom- 
jnend it ; and more especially when its price does not considerably exceed 
that of lumber. A machine was employed in one establishment, which 
turned out 30,000 bricks in 10 hours. This machine presses the brick 
without any previous tempering. The clay is thrown from the bank 
into a sort of hopper, out of which it escapes into the moulds, where it 
is pressed into form, having been previously pulverized in its passage from 
the hopper to the moulds. Most of the other establishments, if not all, 
have moulds which turn out bricks, beautiful in appearance, and of great 
durability. The principal brick kilns are owned by Messrs. John and 
George Burnham, Watkins & Co., Colclough & Co., Chas. Seep, Esau 
and Meincke, Busack, and Baumbach, who manufacture respectively 7, 5; 
3, 3|, IJ, 11, 1| millions of bricks yearly. The Milwaukee brick is now 
well known in New York, Chicago, and other large towns, where it is 
used to set off the appearance of their first class buildings. 

Bricks are made at Kenosha, Racine, Sheboygan, Whitewater, and 
numerous other places throughout the State. I have seen some bricks 
made in Washington County, which resemble the Milwaukee bricks. 

Seventeen millions of bricks are made in Milwaukee in the year, gives 
employment to a large number of hands, and leaves a good profit to those 
engaged in thh^ manufacture. The ordinary brick is sold for $4,00 per 
thousand, and a better sort, used in facing, for $12,00. From the super- 
iority of the Milwaukee clay, brick-making cannot fail of being ranked 
among the most important branches of manufacturing industry in the State, 

It may be manufactured in any quantity along the Menomonee River, 
which can be made navigable for boats at a small expense, by which the 
expense of cartage might be saved. A tram road from the kiln to the 
edge of the water would reduce the expense. 

Large boulders of granite, green-stone, and others of igneous origin, are 
occasion;illy met with, lying on the surface. Being generally found 
water-worn, these erratic blocks must have travelled some distance, no 
doubt from some of those nortliern districts containing these primitive 
rocks. In cutting down the bluffs round the city of Milwaukee, for the 
purpose of grading the streets, several of these boulders are exposed to 
view, especially at Walker's Point, where likewise may be seen a few 
large blocks of limestone, which show no evidence of having travelled 
any distance ; as they all present unimpaired angles. All these must 



Industrial Hesouhces 171 

bave been brought to their present position at the same time, as they are 
found imbedded together in the clay forming the bluffs. During or subse- 
quent to the geological period in which these comparatively recent depo- 
sits were formed, extraordinary currents from the north must have 
existed, bearing with them, in their impetuous course, those ponderous 
rocks in thousands, many of them, probably, embedded in fields of ice. 
These northern waves have produced similar effects in many parts of Eu- 
rope. The limestone districts of our state show evidences of this north- 
ern current. Large boulders may be seeh in the town lands of Green- 
field, Oak Creek, Milwaukee ; in the counties of Sheboygan, Jefferson, 
and indeed in most of the counties comprehended in the carboniferous 
limestone districts. In some places, however, only very few are seen on 
the surface, and in no place do they interfere with the operations of the 
former, to any injurious degree. The soil and subsoil of this district arc, 
in general, clayey and calcarious, with a large proportion of vegetable 
mould, and, in many places, mixed with water-worn limestone pebbles, 
from the size of a marble to that of a goose egg, and some much larger 
The subsoil of numerous localities, "which I have seen, is composed of this 
diluvial deposit, derived altogether from the limestone rock. Tliis drift- 
ed deposit is of considerable depth in some places, and, from its small 
size, might be used with great advantage in making the public roads, and 
especially where it is found of a quality sufiiciently hard, and unmixed 
with the soil. 

The largest drift formation in the world is found in ^A'iseonsin ; extend- 
ing from Lake Michigan, near Green Bay, to the Mississippi River, and 
passing cast of Fond du Lac, Watertown, and Whitewater, continuing 
its course right through Illinois to the Father of \taters. Whether it 
crosses the Mississippi or not, I cannot say. This extraordinary forma- 
tion, so far as I examined it, is composed of rounded limestones, mixed 
with calcareous earth. Its width varies from less than a mile to three, 
and its height from forty or fifty feet to two hundred. Its direction is 
somewhat north and south, inclining east of south and west of north. 
Many parts of tliis great range would appear to be made up of innumer- 
able hills, with deep hollows between, which inclines me to believe that 
these little bills were transported in fields of ice, which, upon 'being brok- 
en, or dissolved, dropped their contents right beneath the points where 
such a.i occurrence happend to take place. A continuous current, in the 
direction of tliis curious ridge, could not, by any physical law, have pro- 
duced a range presenting such a diversified surface, without the agency 
of icebergs. 

The northern current has transported large pieces of pure copper, 
T)robably from the mineral district of Lnke Superior, to our limestone dis- 



172 OF Wisconsin. 

trict. Among these was a remarkable specimen found at Green Bay, over 
100 pounds weight. Another piece, weighing 30 pounds, was found by- 
Mr. Trowbridge, on his farm, near ^lilwaukee. In excavating the canal 
at Milwaukee, pieces wore found, at the depth of ten feet, which, togeth- 
er, weiglied 20 pounds. One of these specimens is deposited in the cab- 
inet of Yale College, at New Haven. Small pieces are occasionally found 
at Racine, and other places, and "a mass is said to exist a little west of 
La Vieux Deserte,. far exceeding in magnitude the celebrated copper rock 
from the Ontonagon." Thes'e isolated erratics, thus straying from their 
native beds, cannot be regarded as among the sources of wealth of Wis" 
consin ; they however strengthen the evidence in favor of the existence 
of copper and of a northern current, which has left thousands of ponder- 
ous land marks, not only in several parts of Wisconsin, but in many other 
northern States — all proving the existence of a powerful force exerted at 
a somewhat recent geological period in a southerly direction. 

Causes at present in operation transport large masses of rocks, clay, 
&c., from the polar regions, toward the soutli. These boulders liave not 
been observed farther south than Ohio 

Just after having written the last sentence, I read an account of a 
piece of copper faund by Mr. Tunis J. Burhyte, of Em[»irc, while dig- 
ging in a cellar. This contais 95 per cent, of pure copper, and weighs 120 
pounds. A number of specimens were found in the same region, on the 
Ledge, and also in Eden and Osceola. A very fine piece was found at 
Waupun a short time since. 

Sulphate of barytes, sometimes called heavy spar, is found in boulders 
or in fragments of limestone on the Wisconsin River Cabarious spar, 
forming rhombs, is found in tlie limestone at Neenah, as also at the mines, 
and at several other places. Calcareous tuffa occurs in the canal near 
Milwaukee, incrusting moss, leaves, and such other vegetable matter as 
may come in contact with it, under favorable circumstances. Tuffa must 
be found in many parts of this State, where so much calcarious matter 
abounds. 

The sliore of Lake Micliigan within the county of Milwaukee, consists 
of a bank of reddish clay, varying in height from 20 to 100 feet, and 
standing over the lake In very erect position. From the lake, the country 
continues to rise to the dividing ridge between the lake and Rock River, 
flowing into the Mississippi. West of tliis dividing ridge, the country 
maintains nearly a uniform level, inclining a little toward Rock River. 
This .summit is considered as the lowest point in the dividing ridge bet- 
ween the Mississippi and the two lakes - Michigan and Superior — except 
at the Portage, between the Neenah or Fox River, and the Wisconsin. 



Industrial Resources 178 

The face of this great limestone district is not considerably broken up 
by deep ravines, or diversified by mountains, the surface being what is 
termed rolling. The beds of the rivers traversing this district are not 
considerably depressed below the face of the surrounding country. All 
the east and northeast, with a considerable portion of the north-west of 
the limestone district is timber land, and most of the south and west 
prairie and oak openings 

The next district ]s the great magnesian or clifFlimestone, which, though 
sparingly developed elsewhere, "swells, in the Wisconsin lead region, Into 
the most remarkable, most important, and most bulky member of the 
group." This great deposit of magnesian limestone attains to the thickness 
of 550 feet, whilst the underlying blue limestone shrinks in some places 
into a mere string scarcely 100 feet, and in others it seems entirely want- 
ing — (^the blue limestone crops out at Fever River, above the thriving 
town of Galeua, in the State of Illinois. ) It is fouud here in place in 
limited quantity, and the specimens I saw contained numerous fossil re- 
mains, similar to those found in the mountain limestone of Ireland, It 
contained a small quantity of siliclous sand and was very hard and com- 
pact. This is the only specimen of blue limestone I met so far south. 
The surrounding locality is rich in lead vre, which probably formed the 
foundation of the prosperity so long enjoyed by the commercial city of 
Galena, which, for its size, is the wealthiest and most prosperous place in 
this or, perhaps, in any other country. The enterprising spirit of its in- 
habitants deserves far better accommodations than is afforded by its shallow 
river, narrow and irregular levee and confined streets. The inhabitants 
have made the most of the small space between the almost insurmounta- 
ble bluff behind the business part of the town, and the little stream which 
bears such a numerous fleet of flat-bottomed steamers, as no town I know 
of, of double the size, could require to cary on its trade. 

The trade of Galena must be transferred to Dubuque as soon as the rail 
road, now in the course of construction, shall have reached so far ; and 
when the works now in progress to improve the landing at Dubuque, 
shall have been completed. The landing, at present, at Dubuque, is 
very bad ; but by engineering skill, may be made to answer all the pur- 
poses which its increasing importance may require. This point must be 
the centre of a vast district, and from it must radiate all the commercial 
I)usiness at present done at Galena. The Janesville and Dubuque, as 
well as the Milwaukee and Mississippi rail roads, add considerably to the 
importance of Dubuque. Its mineral resources and its position, must 
secure to it a very extensive trade, when all the works in actual progress 
and in contemplation shall have been completed. The town has a re- 
spectable, substantial appearance, and contains hotels which deserve the 
high character which they bear. 



Vi4: OF Wisconsin. 

The black slab, wliich is generally fouiicl resting on the cliff limestone, 
is wanting. Throaghout the entire district of country explored by Dr. 
Owen's party, it is doubtful whether the fine grained sandstone, oolitic 
lin:estone, or the conglomerate, can, be detected. From this it appears 
that the magnesian limestone, with the thin substratum of blue limestone 
and some coarse-grained sandstone, engrosses the entire mountain lime 
stone group. The coal measures occur in the southern boundary, in im- 
mediate centact with it, in stead of being seporateJ, as in other places, by 
three district members, occupying many hundred feet. This district is 
very peculiar, in a geological point of view, from the enormous develope . 
meat of this member and the complete obliteration of ail the other mem- 
bers of the mountain limestone group, except the underlying blue lime- 
stone and sandstone already mentioned. In the nortli of this district, 
the magnesian limestone runs out, and the underlying blue limestone and 
sandstone come to the surface. In the south it runs under the coal meas- 
ure of Illinois. East, it is covered up by recent deposits, and west it is 
occasionally exposed in the beds of the streams and rivers, and in project- 
ing clift". This district then belongs to that group, or formation, called 
transition and sometimes ranked amongst the carboniferous, metaliferous, 
encrinital, and mountain limesbone group. Local terms, adopted by dif- 
ferent geologists, tend to obscure and retard the science of geology 
Terms of general import, and not founded on local circumstances, ought 
to be chosen, and their moaning defined, like the technical terms of the 
exact sciences. The external character of this lead-bearing district no 
doubt warrants the assumption of the term, cliff, but the term does not 
apply to the same formation in other localities, where the external cha- 
racter bears no striking resemblance to the Wisconsin limestone clifis. 
Dr. Owen, an able geologist and accomplished scholar, gives the following 
luminous decription of the external character of what he calls the cliff 
limestone, along the Mississippi : 

"These mural escarpments, exhibiting every veriety of form, give to 
the otherwise monotonous character of the landscape in Iowa, a varied 
and picturesque appearance. Sometimes they may be seen in the dis- 
tance from out of the rolling hills of the prairie, like ruined castles, moss- 
wrown under the hand of time. Sometimes they present, even when 
more closely inspected, a curious resemblance to turrets, and bastions, 
and battlements, and even to the loopholes and embrasures of a regular 
fortification. Sometimes single blocks are seen jutting forth, not unlike 
dormer windows, rising through the turf-clad roof of an old cottage ; and 
again, at times especially along the descending spurs of the hills isolated 
masses emerge in a thousand different forni.«, in which the imagination 
readily recognizes the appearance of giants, sphynxes, lions, and innu- 
merable fantastic resemblances." 



Industrial Eesoukces 175 

The district round Mineral Point, the Blue Mounds, on the Wisconsin 
side of theMississippi, and many other places, present similar appearances. 

The manner in which this rock wears under atmospheric influences 
modifies its form. Numerous silicious fossils and masses of cbert are 
interspersed through this rock, which when acted on by the weather, fall 
out^ leaving cavities innumerable, and giving the rock a rugged appear- 
ance. This process sometimes undermines portions of the cliff"; often 
leaving it bearing on a weakly pillar, which every moment threathens ta 
give way, and precipitate the incumbent mass down the fearful steep. 
Part of this rock is very hard and durable, and makes some of the best 
building stone to be had anywhere. Quarries are opened at the Sinsin- 
* awa Mounds at Mineral Point, at the Four Lakes, and at the Pecatonica. 
The last, however, is not very good. The best building stone occurs in 
the lower portions of the upper beds of the cliff limestone. It can be 
quarried from six to twelve inches thick, and presents beautiful straight 
edges, a smooth face, ■end a light yellow color. This rock may be had 
of almost any required thickness, and horizontal extent. It is similar 
to the stone of which the two Houses of Parliament, in England are 
built. 

Two and a half miles from Madison on the road leading to the Blue 
Mounds, is a quarry of white sandstone, surmounted by limestone, which 
makes good lime. This dips towards the north-west. Some brown sand- 
stone occurs here, which comes out of the quarry in large blocks, and is 
exceedingly hard. The material from this quarry is employed in build- 
iug the new bank and hotel at Madison. It is a beautiful, close-grained, 
milk-white stone of great durability. These rare qualities, combined 
with the architectural taste displayed in these buildings, will add con- 
siderably to the appearance of the town. A good hotel will be an addi- 
tional inducement to strangers to visit Madison and its surrounding 
scenery, and a bank conducted on liberal principles cannot fail to prove a 
great convenience, and advance the general interest of the town and sur- 
rounding country. In this quarry I observed vertical cracks, which have 
been formed by the shrinking of the mass when drying. Such cracks as 
these may be observed in every soil especially clayey, after having been 
drained. ^ 

I have seen excellent quarries at Mineral Point and Galena, composed, 
of magnesian limestone, resting on sandstone. The roek in these quar- 
ries cleaves in large blocks, but is coarse grained, and the color a dirty 
yellow. I have seen specimens of sandstone at Mineral Point, of excel- 
lent quality and good color, which, I was told, had been quarried in that 
neighborhood. A small marble quarry has been recently discovered in 
Grant County, near Potosi. The marble is nearly white, and is consid- 



176 OP Wisconsin. 

ered of good quality. Few couuties in the State can compete with Grant 
County in Mineral wealth, and the discovery of marble will add consider- 
ably to its industrial resources. 

Water lime is found iu Jefferson County, which is represented as very- 
good, and pro^nises to bring a considerable profit to the owner. Thn 
quarry at Janesville, containing water lime, deserves more than a passing 
notice. In the neighborhood of this rising town, on the opposite side o? 
the Rock River, is a quarry which is worked for various purposes. The 
upper five feet of the quarry makes good quick lime ; the next five feet 
are impure limestone mixed with sand, and are used for building purposes 
The next two feet and a half are composed of the same description of stone , 
whish is cut to any required size, for ornamental and useful purposes, 
such as door-ways, window-sills, &c. The next two feet are sandstone, 
fit for building, and may be cut to any required size. The color is not 
good, but in other respects, this rock makes a good and lasting building 
material. It rests on twenty-two inches of water limestone, which last 
rests on pure sand fit for the manufacture of glass. I had no means of 
ascertaining the depth of this last rock. A building has been recently 
erected at this place, intended for a sawing mill to be worked by water, 
which cannot fail to be a source of considerable profit to the proprietors, 
as the lime and sandstone of this quarry are distinctly stratified and very 
easily quarried, and moreover it lies high above the bed of the river, 
which whashes its base, and waters the town. It is, however, in common 
with the limestone of the surrounding distaict, very coarse - graind. It 
dips a little to the S. S. W., but is perfectly horizontal, when viewed 
from the river. I have seen specimens of stone found in the neighbor- 
hood of Janesville, which is used as Pilasters and supports, supposed by 
the inhabitants to be marble, but has no claim to that name, being no 
better than a coarse limestone, good, however, for building purposes, as 
it easily splits into blocks, limited only in thickness ; the other dimen- 
sions being sufficiently ample for any industrial purpose, where stone is 
re.;^nired. 

Magncsian limestone has not yet been found east of Whitewater, where 
I have observed it exposed by grading operations. A good quarry is 
worked at Waupun, a small village on the line between Dodge County 
and Fonc du Lac. The stone comes out of this quarry of any required 
size. Portland, in Dodge County, has also a good quarry. 

Three miles from Omro, a superior quality of glass sand has been 
found. Samples of it have been sent to the Lancaster Glass Factory, 
to Erie and New York, and it was found to be of very superior quality. A 
company has been formed, styled the " Omro Glass Company," which 



OF Wisconsin. 177 

will manufacture glass at that place. This being on the Fox River which 
.will soon be navigable to the Mississippi, and Lake Michigan, by Greeu 
Bay, the article may be easily shipped in any direction for sale. No- 
thing will tend to improve the industrial interests of the State more than 
the erection of snoh works, under the guidance of a company with suffi- 
cient capital. 

A white rock, which, by disintegration, fornix a Avhite plastic material 
used in the manufacture of porcelain, is found in the 3Iineral Point and 
Blue Kiver lead mines, besides several other placeg. Should it exist in 
iiufiieient (juantities, it would prove a valuable addition to that peculiarly 
favored region This material is a hydrate of silica, containing a small 
percentage of alumina. It likewise contains viens of so bright a green aji 
to give rise to tlie idea of the existence of copper ore, but when tested, 
it contained none of the metal. 

Upon the side of the river opposite to Prairie du Chien, is a strutum of 
sand stone, identical in character with that 300 feet higher. The follow- 
ing is a geological section, extending from the top of the eastern mound 
(Blue,) to the Wisconsin River at Helena, taken from Pr. Locke's re- 
port ; 

1. Chert, hornstone, flint, at top, 410 

2. Magnesian (cliff) limestone, 169 
li. Blue fossiliferous limestone, very thin or wanting, 

4. Sacbarine sandstone, 4{) 

5. Alternations of sandstone and limestone, 188 

6. Sandstone, variable and not well defined, 3 

7. Lower limestone, probably magnesian, 190 

1000 

This lowest bed of magnesian limestone, as well as the upper, is a bad 
burning rock. Till the upper rock shall have been exhausted, no shaft 
will extend to the lower ; and from the inexhaustible quantity, compara- 
tively, near the surface, countless ages may pass away before the miner 
will be driven by necessity to the lower bed. Time, however, can only 
determine this. 

The magnesian limestone district lias a vast extent of prairie and oak 
openings, with groves here and there, especially on the rivers and stream*. 
Blue Mounds — two conical hills, the one in Dane, and the other in lovra, 
County — are the most conspicuous objects in the whole landscape of Wis- 
consin. The Indian name of these mounds signifies smokey mountains, 
applied to them on account of their summits being sometimes enveloped 
in clouds, which, in Wisconsin, from the absence of liigh hills, is a rare 
phenomenon. These mounds stand almost one thousand feet above the 

12 



187 IXPTHTKIil HhNOHUCKIk. 

Wisconsli. ilivcr, ai. li-^iecia, as has boon ^>h(>wn iu ihf la.si labib, And are 
covered with vegetation to the top, from which there is a view of the sur- 
rounding couatrj, extending far beyond the Wisconsin on the north, and 
erabracing .'4 wide circle all around.,, ThesM jnoundsare twetity-fire mile? 
west from Madisou, and tM'olve south from tlio "NViBconsin River 

The Platte Mounds are somewhat similar to thr Blue Moun<i«, which 
they would feigu to rival. They are situated neur the north west corner 
of La Fayette County, und are rendered historical from the oircmnstance of 
that point having been chosen for u temporary lortitication. built during 
the Black Hawk War, iu which Lieutenant Force fell by the hand of nu 
Indian, uear this spot, where the fallen soldier's ^rave may be seen to this 
day. These luoiiuda, as? well as the Bluo Mounds, nra supposed to have 
resisted the abrading influence of the water and atniosiphere, on account 
of the durability ot the rocka of which they arecompoMcd. while the eiurface oi' 
the surrounding couutr}' has been worn down and washed away, as beinjr 
of softer and more friablf* material. "These mound** rise above the gen- 
eral tabltt of the country to the height of from two hundred to four hund- 
red, or even to six hundred feet. '' Before I had accu these mounds, I wa^ 
inclined to think that they were the result of some elevating force. Thi^^ 
would be an easier .solution than to suppose the surface of thousaiKis oJ 
miles Of' the surrounding country to be washed away to the depth of som* 
sir hundred feet. Bub having closely examined thet-e aiounds, and the 
surrounding district, I was constrained at once to abandon the theory of 
elevating force from beneath. I have known some iuistances in Ireland of 
conical hills protruding through a limestone district, (ihanging the charae- 
ter of the limestone in immediate contact with the igneou^* rock. Carrig-. 
oguinai, on the river Shanuoon, nt>ar Limerick, is a perfect illustration of 
this upheaven. force. This rock stands in the inidit of a 5at limeBtone 
district,, and is viaible at a considerable distance, it?- circumference being 
as far an my jneiKory berves nie, ji(» more than a quarter of a mile. Thi« 
limestone rock in contact with its base has been completely metamorphisied 
by tiie action of heat. Had the force which shot this igneous rock through 
the limestone been less violent, and extended over a wider space, a conical 
numnd mijrht have been formed similar to the isolated mounds of Wiscoo- 
filn But the stratified rocks on the top could not have retained their or- 
iginal ]tosition, as at theBlueMounds. Some derangement of the limestone 
rock would be visible, but volcanic action is vissible by the derangement 
of the f-ttcitrt, at (.-arrigoguinal, and the metamorphic effect of heat, is seen 
al! round. At i\\v. Blue Mounds, the stratification is perfectly horizontal 
to the very top, eacept at the most elevated and conical one, where the 
rocks seem to dip in different directions in conforiaity with the shape of 
the cone; but on « close ftxauunation of this mound, the.«erockf arc tiU«d 



by th'j wearing ;*wu) '.f thu surrouudiag support-, and sonio of tbum Ijavt 
tumbled over. Tlit other mounds near this, not being so rteep, retain 
the .strafcificatiou to the top iu a perfectly horizontal position, so far as 
the ey« is able to judge On approaching these mounds, I observed, close 
to th«: juidide one, four or five large, denuded blocks, whiclj 1 mistook for 
small houses, and another one, near the eastern cone, .stjinding in a reclin- 
ing poeition, witl; :i broad head, which I mistook for a tree. This in a 
comparatively short time, will tumble down the precipice. The lliutj ap- 
pciirance cf rhe rock oa the top of these inounds has been caused by the 
the infusion of silicious matter into the porouig rock by water, The view 
from the top of the mound is so elqouently described by 't<»ii. Wm. E. 
Smitli, that I am induced to give it here; 

•'An ocean of prairie surrounds the gazer, whost; vision is nut limited 
to less than thirty or forty miles. This great sea of verdure is interspei-- 
sed with delightfully varying undulations, like the vast waves of the ocean, 
and ©very h«re and thero sinking into the hollows, or cresting the swells, 
appear .spot.<» of wood, large groves, extensive ranges of timber, small 
groups of 4ree», a8 if planted by the hand of art, for ornamenting this 
naturally splendid scene Over this extended view, in all directions, are 
scattered the incipiont farms of the settlers, with their luxuriant crops 
of wheat and oats, whoso yellow sheaves, already cut, form a beautiful 
eontrast with the weaving green of the Indian corn, and the smooth dark^ 
lined of the potato crop. Throughout the prairie, the most gorgeous var- 
iety of flowers are seen rising above the thickly eet grass, which, i^ large 
and .s:ual[ patches, has here and there been moved for hay ; all presenting 
V, curiously ebequered appearance of the table beneath us. The mineral 
flowtjv, the tall bright purplo a,nd red feather, the suu-ilower, the yellow- 
bloom, the golden rod, the several small and beautiful flowers, interspersed 
with the grass, render the scene ii\diseribably beautiful. To the north. 
Wisconsin hills are seeu bounding the view ; to the east, prairie and wood 
are only limited by the horizon ; and the Blue Mounds, on the north-east 
form a back ground and land mark ; to the south, the veiw over the roll- 
ing country extends into the State of Illinois : in the south-west, is seen 
the Sinsinawa Mound ; the view to the west is only bounded by the Table 
Mound, and the hills west of the Mississippi, and distant about thirty 
mile.s : while to the uorth-west, the high hills through which the Father 
of Waters sweeps his way, clo.«e the view. Below us, on the plain, is the 
little village of Belmont, with its painted dwellings, the brown lines in 
the broad green carpet, indicate the roads and track over the prairie ; the 
grazing cattle are scattered over the wide surface, looking like dogs or 
sheep in size ; while in the distance are seen wagon of emigrants and ox 
t<!ams hauling lead, merchandise and lumber ; the horgeman and foot trav- 



ISO ]>]0(;jiAPiiy. 

ellcr arc passing and rcpajis-mg ; pleasure and tntvolling carriages ar« 
whirliiiir rapidly over the sward, as if the country had been improved for 
a century past, instead of having been only five years reclaimed from tho 
saviige?. This picture is not exaggerated. It fails of the original beauty, 
iu the attempt to discribe the scene, which is worth a journey of a thou- 
sand miles to contemplate in the calm sunshine of a sumnierday, as i have 
viewed it from the top of the Platte Mounds.'* 

The face of Dane Count)' is diversified by hills <tf moderate elevation, 
with corresponding valleys, the principal occupying the Four Lakes, and 
their outlet. The capital of the State is situated in this county, of which 
T shall soon have occasion to speak. Chaldediny, agate, and cornelians 
have been found on the margin of Fourth Lake, near the capital. Greco 
Count3% which lies south of Dane, is like it, broken by moderate hilla 
which are susceptible of cultivation to their tops. This County is in gen- 
eral well adapted to all the pi'rposes of, agriculture. The surrounding 
country hereabouts is a good deal diversified by hills and valleys, owing 
to the fragile nature of the limestone on which it rests. "North of the 
main ridge the limestone is suceeded by the underlying sandstone, form- 
ing cliffs of a wild and picturesque appearance.'' On tho summit of this 
ridge passes the main road. ^ 

The district round the rising city of Portage i.s composed of a sandj 
soil, which yields much better crops than could be expected from its ap- 
pearence. This ;=;andy region irf very extensive. Portage is destined to 
become a place of some importance from its central j)osition on tlie canal 
connecting tho naviL'able rivers, Wisconsin and Fox. 



HON. EDWAIU) SALOMON 

was born near Halberstadt, in Prussia, in lb2S ; received an academio 
education in the same city, and when sufficiently qualified, entered the 
university at Berlin, where he directed his attention principally to science 
such as Mathematics, Philosophy, Natural History, &c. Having finislied 
his college course and taken his degree, he pursued his favorite studies 
till he came to America in the fall of 1840. On his arrival here, he Jived 
at Manitowoc for three years, where he discharged the duties of school- 
teacher, County Surveyor, and Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court in suc- 
cession. At the end of this time, he came to Milwaukee where he studied 
law with E. G. Kyan Esqr., and was admitted to the bar in 1855, upon 
a strict examination by the judges of the Supreme Court. Qualified by 
education, natural talent of a high order, and legal licence, he practiced 



BlOGRAI'HT. ISl 

Inw with considerable success in Milwaukee till upon the death of 
Governor narvcy ho as.suraed the executive office as Governor «>f 
the State of Wisconsin. After having served two years in that 
capacity, he resumed the practice of law at Milwaukee, and is now 
engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of New York, 
a field fit for his talents, which arc of no oi-dinary degree. Im- 
mediately on the death of Governor Harvey, which melancholy event took 
place soon after the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, Lieutenant Governor 
Salomon took pos.session of the executive office at 3Iadison, as Governor 
of the State of Wisconsin. During his term of office, he supported the 
General Government engaged in a bloody war with the South, and proved 
himself all through faithful, energetic, and persevering in his endeavours 
to supply a large element of support from the sttite he governed to subdue 
the enemy. The history of tl>) at unnatural struggle shows what a large ele- 
ment the Wisconsin troups formed in the force that vanquished the ene- 
mies of the constitution. lu 1862 his services were especially required 
to fill up thct decimated ranks of the several regiments. To effect this ob- 
ject, volunteering was found insufficient ; therefore as a matter of necessity 
reeourse was had to the draft, as being the most prompt measure that 
could be adopted by reason of the fearful and gigantic proportions then 
assumed by the war. In this eracrgeney, the governor discharged hLs 
duty with promptness, seal, and ability. In the very beginninnr of his 
administration, his conduct was truly laudable in assuming the responsi- 
bility of providing for the sick and wounded soldiers, no appropriation 
having yet boon made for that purpose. The Indian disturbances in the 
state during that year, imposed additional labor en the executive, •which 
he was able to perform by reason of his untiring attention to business. 
The massacres by the Lidians in Minnesota, the threatening aspect of the 
Wisconsin Indians, and the gloomy aspect, of public affairs, required troops 
at home, and by the advice of the governor a militia was organized for 
the emergency, by authority of the legislature, which was called for that 
purpose by the executive. In every emergency the governor was found 
at his post. 



GEOKGE W. ALLEN. 

George W. Allen was born in Casenovia, New York, December Jj>th 
1818 ; graduated at Union College, in the same City in 1841, where he 
was considered the best natural Orator that had graduated at that College. 
Mr. Allen studied law, but never followed it as a profession, prefering to 
engage in active business. He removed to Milwaukee in 1851, where he 
has been engaged in the manufacture of Leather since, together with "his 
brothers, under the name of the Wisconsin Leather Company-^or.e of 
ilie largest manufacturing concerns in the United States. 



l^i BlOORAFMY. 

The subject ol' this -dkotch wa-« very actlvt* during; lh>'. laU; vmr. discrib- 
iug large suiub of money, and deliverin^ir oloquent sp«eclies> <:alculat«d to 
arouse the people to a aen&ti of their duty, and go forward to meet, and 
subdue the enemy, and protect the constitution and country unimpaired. 

He and his brothers, Messr* William and Rufits Allevi Junr. raised 
one Company iri the 24ih Ilegimfmt, ;uni supported the families of some 
i.f the men during the war. He always refused office of any kind, uud 
often declined oilers of nomination. The bar suft'ered a los.s by the choice 
Mr. Allen made nf the tanning business in [ireference to the legal profca- 
siou. as he possessed all the neces.sury qualities to constitute a fii'st rate 
lawyer. But thou;if]i tli<*law suffered by the choice Mr. Allen made, the 
working classes around his m:tnufacturing uoneerns was benefitted largely 
by getting constant employment from him, and hi* wortiiY relrjtions in 
*heir gigantic tanneries. 

The Wisconsin Leather Ooinpituy is ;i private (;u-partiiei>hip, ■•ooaist- 
ing of Father and Sons^. T})e fathei-, W. Rufus Allen 8cnr., has been 
engaged in the manufacture of Leather for over sixty years, conjuienc- 
ing April 1809. The Mes^srs. Allen were engaged in tanning in the 
state of New York and came to Milwaukee in 1851 : ct.onmenccd to build 
a large tannery at Two Rivers in this state, which they completed in that 
year, in 1862 they built a second one at Two Rivera, 50 per cent larg- 
er tlian the first, and continued t«j nui both till 187", t.-mnin^' 5*'*, 000 to 
<^i0.000 large hides per annum. 

In 1870, they built one of the largest rwniiericjt ill this cciunirv in the 
south part of the irity of Milwaukee, which is considered the largest Har- 
ness Tannery in the world. These (Jentlemenhave now the capacity for 
tanning 110,000 hides or 220,000 half lades per annum, and use 13,000 
Cords of bark every year. Their trade extends over several states of tha 
Union, and their firm is regarded as one of the largest juid must succeHf?. 
ful leather man\ita(dnrinu' firms in tiiis country, and snosv *o t.hsii .ony in 
Europe. 



OK. dAMKS iMjI.irLAS. 
l>r. James Douglas. who.so father was: m farmer, .vai;! mM-n m 
Westmoreland, Oneida County, New York, July 4th 1><01. J^uriuj,' the 
first thirty years of his life his health was very feeble, lie attended an 
academy at Whitesboro, conducted liy l*eletiah Rawson, .-i gentleman of 
eminent acquirementu When prepared t<i enter college, both his teacher 
aud the faculty of HauiilroTi College strongly advised him to continue in 
the Academy another ycHron ticeouu* -^f tlit- precarious state of hi k health; 



ji.0 th« oios© of $he year, the. .sanni <ibjootion •.ixiaied in an increased degree, 
and ilierefore to his great gri^C ho had to continue in the Academy, going 
through the usual, college studies, without graduating at College. His degree 
'if A. M, is an lioiaorary one subsequently conferred by the Madison Uni- 
versity, Tf . "Y. The subject of this sketch pursued the study of medicine, 
■closed the courisfc, and took a Diploma at the Fairfield Medical College, 
N. Y. in 1825 ; and practiced in Oewego, Vernon, and Hamilton, N. ¥. 
till 1848, whea he came to Milwauke*. In 1844, Dr. Douglas "after long 
and anxious study, necessary to overcome a deep-seated prejudice, was, as 
fte states, compelled from eonriction of its supreme truth to adopt the Ho- 
moeopathic law of therapeutics, and has continued the practice to the pre- 
sCFit time, and advocate it with an earnestness inspired by deep convic- 
tion". In 1S69 the Doctor was elected to, snd aeeepted the professorship 
'•f Materia Mediea, and special Pathology and Diagnosis in tho Homoeo- 
pathic Medical College at Cleveland, whieli was continued for three years, 
when business at home demanded a reeignatiou. He has since been in- 
vited tit accept a professorEhip in two other medical colleges, but decliaed. 
He is now one of the editors of the most prominent journals of the coun- 
try—the North American Journal of Homoeopathy, N. Y,, for which h© 
has for many years written largely, as well as for several other journals. 
His writings are regarded as geod authority on medical subjects, not only 
in this country, hut its Europe. He published a lecture ou medicine, as a 
science twenty three years ago, which \% still circulated as influential and 
useful. Some sixteen years ago he publi?ihed a work for domestic use, 
^intitled Practi«al Honioeopathy, wliich h;i» met with «, large sale and 
passed through olevea editions. 

At the commencement, in August Inst, at the Madison University, 
N. Y., that institution conferred on him the honorary Degree of Ph. D., 
Doctor of Philosophy. He has been President of the American Institute 
of Homoeopathy, and at its meeting in Chicago, some years since, deliv- 
ered its annual address by appointment. Doctor Douglas is by reputa- 
sioa one of the Vicst read physicians in his peculiar practice to be found in 
die countrv. 



MURlT/i Von BAUMBACH, 

ijonsui for Austria, Hungiiry, and other German States, was born ou the 
(3th January 1834 at Cassel in Hesse, Germany, and is descended from 
ftci old and nolile family in that csmmtry. He came to the United States 
m 1849, and to Milwaukee in 1856 where he served as City Treasurer, 
with great credit to himaelf, and is now at the bead of the German Kx- 
•chansfo Bank in the city of Milwaukee. 



1S4 BlOOKATHT. 

It is au honor to bo descended from iu\ ancient and noblo unotatorj, 
as it inspires us with high aspirations and solfrespect. Aspirations to 
imitate and tread in the footsteps of our ancestors. wIjo gained noble dis- 
tinctions by noble deeds. 

A knowledge of being a connecting link forming a continuous chain of 
noble lineage diters us from, and fills us Avlth horror at the idea, of doing 
any inuoble act, calculated to detract from the reputation of our ancest- 
ors or bring our descendants into disrepute, cutting them off from that 
part of the unbrokeii chain, which the world and the established laws of 
gociety regard as honorable, and noble. No national law or conventional 
aseage should entitle tho degenerate link to any share in the lienor justly 
due to the first, whose deeds gained him a title. And while his descend- 
ants continue to follow his example, they likewise should be distinguish- 
ed by some mark of public approbation. Hence it is, that every one 
holding a position of respectability, should feel it his bounden duty to 
transmit his name and good doings to his descendants, whicli they will not 
fail to read with pride and preserve it witli care as a pearl of great price. 

The Biographer has been unintentionally led to make these observa- 
tions from having mentioned that Mr, Baumbach is descended from a 
noble family. Ho has no hesitation in stating, that the manner in which 
that gentleman has discharged the duties of every position he has occupied 
during his residence in ^lilwaukeo is a sufiicieut guarantee that he will 
not tarnish the name of the noble family from whom he claims descent, 
or cause a blush in tho face of any of his descendants. 

In this connection it is unnecssary to state that in a republic like ours, 
no kingly titles of Ijord or Duke can be conferred. But those conferred 
by the people arc of equal import and should be sought, preserved, and 
transmitted to posterity with as n)uch care as though conferred by the 
most arrogant potentate in Europe. 



CHABLES Von BAUMBACH. 
Tho gentleman, whoso name is at the head of this sketch, was bons 
in Hcsson, Germany, and is descended frcin a noble family. He enlisted 
in the Turner CoBopany as a private. In 1861, the Company was at- 
tached to the 5th llegimcnt of Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company 
C ; and was engaged in the following battles, viz : in the battle of Wil- ■ 
liamsburgh. May 5th 1802 in which he was v/ounded, after which lie was 
promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and mustering officer of tlie 24th 
Regiment, Wisconsin Vols. Infantry. lie recruited Company U of that 
Rcglmont, and left tho state, as Captain of that Company. lie waa ea- 



BiOGRAPni. 185 

gaged in the Battles of Perrjville, Stoue lliver, Chickaraauga and Missi- 
onary Ridge i\t which last battle he commanded the 24:th Regiment, hav- 
ing been promoted to the rank of Major at that place. The Major is re- 
ported, by persons who witnessed his conduct in the army, to be a good 
officer, and richly deserved his promotion. 



JAMES B. CROSS 

was born Dec. 17. 1819 in the town of Phelps, Ontario County, State 
of New York. He worked on a farm until he was sixteen years of age. 
going to school in winter and working in summer. Then commenced an 
accademical course of study to prepare him to enter College. He gradu- 
ated at Geneva Lyceum in 1840, when he commenced the study of law in 
the office of Slierwood and Smith, in Lyons, Maine County, New York, 
and came to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in May 1841, when he entered the 
Land Office of Wolls & Finch, and was admitted to the Bar in 1842. In 
1846 ho was elected justice of the peace for the First Ward — (now 7th 
and 1st) of the city of Milwaukee, which position he held for two years, 
doing the duty of Police Justice, during the latter part of the time, l)y 
appointment of the common council of the city. In the sprin.^ of 1848, 
he was renominated for Justice of the peace, but declined. In 1848, h*v 
was elected Judge of Probate for Milwaukee County, and lield the office 
till January 1849. In the fall of 1848, he was elected member of the 
Assembly of the State of Wisconsin, and reelected in the fall of 1849. In 
the spring of 1850, he was elected City Attorney of Milwauko ; in the 
fall of 1 854, was again elected member of the Legislature ; and in the 
spring of 1855, was elected Mayor of the City of Milwaukee, by a majori- 
ty of 1400 against J. B. Martin. In 1850 and 1857, he was re-elected 
Mayor without opposition and in 1857 was elected president of the Ju- 
neau Bank, which office he held for about five years. In August 1857, 
Mr. Cross was nominated by the Democratic state convention, jis their 
candidate for Governor of the state of Wisconsin, and was defeated by A. 
W. Randall, the Republican candidate, by a majority of 118, since which 
time lie has retired from political life. 

Few persons in any city of the Union have been so signally favored by 
their fellow citizens, as the subject of this historical sketch. Without de- 
livering many loud and deafening speeches, for which Mr. Cross is not 
peculiarly celebrated, without extravagant outlay of money in bribery, 
and in supplying his political friends with intoxicating whiskey and stupi- 
fying beer — two necessary elements in an electioneering canvas — without 



1i !•■« JJlO'iSliiVflY. 

liJiv apparent eicrtiou, un Uio part uf Mr. Crud^ be vva». the «hoioe ©fa 
majority of the people, and occupied mauj placos of honor for a seriea of 
Buccesnive years, which is. the strouj^est tfistimony that eould h« horn<? t» 
his ebaracter, as a politician -Mvi ^ man. 



LoVJ) (rRAVbUN HAIUIIS. 

The suhjcei uf this noti«;e was boni in Butfahj N. Y. 1S40. Ho re- 
moved re* Milwaukee in 1852, but shortlj/ after returned to BulTaio to 
<:(btain the benefit of tii* superior achools nf thaft ciiv. In. lS5o W3» 
*-;Hjplo\ed bv the Amencitn Express Company in Milwaukee and remained 
ui their serviee uutil the opeiuTijj of tlie rebellion of ISt"*!. At this time 
ke wat; ageut of the Express ('o. iu , Prairie du. Cbiert When the first 
war laeeting was held there he enlisted as r private in the Old 6rh Wi* 
Siegiwiput, and. as jt private iind officer he parti<!ipated in the great histori 
eal battles of Fredericksburg, Chaneel]on?vilIe, AntietAiu, Gettysburg, and 
iill the battles up to the time when (ieii. Grant assumed command of the 
whole army. He was twice wounded, wa« promoted in 1865 to a Li«ute- 
iittiiej in the T.' ^ Marine Corps regular sen'iee — remained iu this corps 
uiitil 186S when he resigned and entered into a large vnanufacturin^ busi- 
-jves-' ut Mound Cit3% Illinois. 



RUBKHT N. A« STIN 

was hnni iu r!i« Coaniy of Schoharie in ilie .State ul .N>jw York', oa the 
19th day "f August 1822; was educated at Union College at Shenectady in 
that >tati' atid graduated iu the chijis of 1845 ; read law with tlui Hon. 
J&bitz I>. Oamnionr] at Cherry A'ailey iu that State ; and wim admitted 
to the Har in January A. 1>. 1848. eanie to Wiscon-sin in May of thesaina 
year and locnied at Miiwauket^, wher*; he has cotitinued e\er »inee in the 
practice of the profes:*ion. .Mr. An,-»tin has received a goo<l ediieation, is a 
good speaker, aitd pleads in all ^uif.s intrusted tu him, ;fith ereditabie 
•♦arnestne??. 



;irooiK4)'HV. l87 

LIMUTENA.NT I'EXTEK .N. KASSON 

■w&ti bom February 2<1, 1840, at Broadalbin, Fulton eoantv, New York. 
He enlisted in itompanj . 24tli. Ilcgt. Wisconsin Yolunteeri) ; was ap- 
pointed 4tli Sergeant and subsequently promoted to Orderly Sergeant, 
'id. Lieutenant, und First lieutenant ; served during the year 1864 as 
Deputy ProYOflt Marshal General of the Department of the Cumberland 
ipoQ the staft'of Major General G eorge H. Thomas; and was engaged in the» 
following battles ; Perryville, 8tone River. Chickamauga, Missionary 
Ridge. Kenesaw Mountain, Peachma Church, and the battles around At- 
lanta, .lonesborougb and Lovjoy Station. He ie now discharging the duty 
c>f -Deputy Pension Agent at Milvfautee. M'here, from his strict attentiou 
;o busincsB, hie T^illiagnese to pleaee and answer all inquiries connected 
^th his department, he is regarded as a general favorite. 

The biographer having bad frequent opportunities, as I'ension and 
Bounty Claim Agent, of vfitnepsing the official conduct of Lieutenant 
Kasson cheerfully wudoreet" th*; good opinicm so gener&liy vs'^pre.ssed of 
Ifim. afi a pnblic oflk-er. 



lOSKFH V. MCMULLEN 
was bora in tde City of New York of Irish parcnt.-«, August 1st 1831. 
He was educated at Lowville Academy, Lewis county, state of New York, 
and admitted to the bar, September 1862, at Milwaukee Wisconsin, where 
be practices as a lawyer, witb great success, by reason >:<i' his clost^- atten- 
nou to business, r-triet iptej^ity, pleasing niiuuier. ;ind general in- 
ielligen':'v. 



WILLIAM GEORGK 

was born in JSassau. Germany, in 1833, and was educated at Dillenberg, 
Was the son of John J. George a. Forester, which is a position of Bomo 
aote in Germany. The subject of this sketch came to America in 1854, 
and settled in Milwaukee, where he learned the confectionery business, and 
vfa«« a captain in the State Militia. In ISOl, he enlisted as captain in 
o4«mpany H. 1st Regiment. Wisconsin Yolu)iteers, in which Regiment be 
•■erved out his time. Having served out his time in the 1st Regiment, as 
iboTc stated, he joined the 26th Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteerii, in 
which he »<erved till the end of the war, wten he purchased s. respectable 
r«.sideac£-, in whi«b \w. act<i «.s a Notary Public. Captain George 



18?^ BiO(;kaphv. 

ha.s the reputation of being a good officer, nnd, :i8 a private citizen, i« 
highly respected and esteemed hy all who t-njoy his acquaintance. 
He is open-liearted, generona, and friendly. 



JOHN SAAll 

came from (Termany and settled iu Milwaukee iu 184^. in 1863 he was 
appointed Deputy Clerk of the County Board of Supervisors, which oificf> 
he held till January 1870, when he was appointed Clerk of the Board of 
Supervisors to fill the vacancy created by the death of tlie late Henry 
Hillmantel, under whom Mr. Saar had served, as deputy. The manner 
in which he had discharged his duty, as deputy, made him the most eligible 
person for the office, the duties of which he now discharges to the satis- 
faction of the public. 



K n W IN T W iN 8E NT) 

•vras born June 17th 1802 at East Chester, Westchester county. New 
York. Ho received a common school education, and was a dry goods 
merchant in New York ('ity for some time. He was Director of Butche'' 
and Drover's Bank ; came to Wisconsin in 184G, and settled in Milwau- 
kee, where ho em])arked in tlie business of wholesale grocer, in tho firm 
of Townsend & Kane, and was burned out. He next was elected Presi- 
dent of the banking house of Townsend, Bean & Burlock ; and afterwanl 
Townsend & Finklor. Some years before his death he entered into part- 
uership with 3Ir. Schly, tho firm })eing known .as Townsend & Schly, Real 
estate agents. 

The subject of this historical sketch iloparted from this busy world on 
feho nth day of March 1870, after an active life, and having discharged 
the duties of every position lie had occupied, with much ability, close at- 
iention, and strict propriety, leaving after him a name that cannot hv 
aoon forgotten — a name of more lasting value to his family than precious 
pearls and pure gold — that of an honest man. Mr. Townsend left four 
sons surviving him. John <jr., Seerntary 5c Treasurer of the Lumber 
Company, Derby, Conn. ; E. Frank, Liout. Col. U. S. A., at Omaha, 
Nebraska ; Hamilton, and Ackerly, who give assurance of treading in the 
footsteps of their father. These two brothers are doing a good bu.sinesf^ 
afj grocera. at 411 Milwaukee street. 



]3lOOKAI'HV. 1S9 

AUGUST aREULICH. 

August Greulicb was born iu the Grand Dueby of Baden, Geiiuaav, 
August 3d 1813 ; educated at the College of Rastadt ; eame to thu 
United States July 1834; arrived at Milwaukee, May 3d 1841 ; was 
elected to the Assembly of the State Legislature in 1848, reelected to 
the Assembly in 1856; and was elected to the Senate in 1857 ; he also 
served a number of years in tho common Council of the City of Milwaukee. 
In all these positions, Mr. Greulich discharged all the duties required of 
him. with great aceeptanee exhibiting in every case an anxious desire to 
•ri'.ard .-igainKf fraud, and protect the interests of those he represented. 



STEPHEN W. (;KA.\GEK 

was bum September Gth, 183G, in tiie town of Sodus, Wayne countr 
state of New Y'ork. His father .John Milton Granger, was born ia 
Massachusetts, and his mother was born in the state of Maine. His 
father was a farmer. Stephen W., went to a district school till he was l5 
years of age, then attended the Walwortii Academy for one year and in 
his 17tli year attended the Sodus Academy. In these two academiois 
%-erc taught by able teachers tho higher mathematics and the lan<rua<Tes 
both the ancient and modern. 

When at the age of nineteen he commenced the study of the law and 
vhile engaged in the study of the law, he studied under Judo^e Alfred 
(^juklio the most able adiairalty lawyer iu the country, also under Henry 
Booth, now one of the Judges ot the Circuit Court of Illinois. 

During the latter part of the year, A. D. 1857, and theyear 185^^, bo 
attended tho State and National- Lav,- School at Puufrhkeepsie N. Y 
graduated in the fall of 1S58, with highest honors ; came to Wisconsin in 
1859, and has ever since devoted himself to the practice of the law. In 
politics he is a llepubliean. Mr. Granger is in good practice and was 
never known U> neglect his duty to bis client. 



A. F. W, BODEN 
was born at Lancaster, Ohio, 2d of August, 1830, and was educated at 
New York. When he left school, he did business with his father, who wan 
a rectifier and importer of high wines. The subjecfc of this sketch waa 
engaged in the manufacture of vinegar and high wines for some years at 
Krooklyn, N. Y , and is now in the vinegar business exclusively. 



190 BlOC-H.^Riiy. 

F. W. Boden, tht; bttuv.- ot" A. F. W. Bodei^ was o«e oi" the olde?- 
manufacturers of rincgar in the United States, and hig vinegar gener- 
ally allowed by oompeteut chcraistH to Ix; the purest in the United State--'. 
The father was the first who used filterevs and generators in this countr* 
in manufacturing vinegar, and obtained the first premium, at the Stat. 
and World's Fair in Ne^' York. 

The subject of this sketch obtained the fir^l priz>j at the fair iatuly hvii 
at Milwaukee, which is the hn^i pro'if be could give o? the superior «ieel- 
l«Rce ''f hig vinecf&r. 



FBTlvK V. DEUSTEK 

rasborn in Dm^reii, vonutj of Aix-la-Chapelle, FruBsia, Feb, l.'ith l?i.!J ■. 
received an academical education, but left too joung to finish the fiour?''. 
He completed his education in the priming oiflce, is bj profession a prin- 
ter, publisher and editor. He came lo Wisconsin in 1847, and settled »t 
Milwaukee, when he published a literary paper, eutitled " Ha,usfreur>d 
Milwaukee.'' He was Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court of Washius- 
ion county in 1854 ; and in 1S56, he purchased the Milwauket; Seebot*. 
He repreijeated the Fifth District of Milwaukee in the Legiislaiive Assem- 
bly of the state of Wisconsin ; in 1869 was* elected Senator of the Sixth 
District ; and is now President of the Chicago Publishing Company . 
which publishes the " Chicago Union.'' 

Mr. Deuster's carreer has been one of jrfeat snccess. having, iju -.* ff« 
years, secured u, Ksndsome independence. 



JEKEMIAH QUiiN.N. 

bora in B<).>nctstowii, county of Limerick, Ireland, oxi the llOth da^ "t 
January A. D. 183.V, lost both his parents while an infant j was edn- 
cated at Bosnotstowu National School, and nfc Kilfinane Xligli -School. 
He emigrated to the United States when about 17 years of age, landing- 
in the City of Boston. Failing to procure a position in any law oifiee, 
which profession he .sought eagerly at that time, he apprenticed himselJ 
to a Massachusetts niechanic and learned a laborious trado, at whicli hr 
worked for several years. He emigrated to Wiscou.-iiti, arriving in Mil- 
waukee in the year 1857, where he worked at his trade in the employ ot 
the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad for six years, whert he obtained j* 
position »s clerk in the freight department of llu> ro;u1, bjk! when- h. 



unou gained the good will and t-.^nfidenee of bis superior ofl5icerg tu sucK s 
degree tbat be v; a.s intrusted with the «harge of the Freight Keeeiring 
Departiri«nt of the Milwaukee nud Mississippi Branch, whicli position h<f> 
heM until April 1870, when h« was elected If* the reijponsibl'- and ar- 

tiao«s portion of (Jity '.'(iraptrollrv «if Ihe eitv <tf Milwaukee, which h» 



Oil AFTER A II. 



Tac next cubjeel which shall eugage m_j- attfcation, is a description of 
the tbruiatioii -if the Upper Mississippi, commcucing at Prairie du Chies, 
which i^ built on a. plaiu north of the Wi.seonsia Riyer. Viewiii"' the val- 
ley of the MiBBissippi up towards the north, a range of geological terraces 
may be Kceu eonverging in long lines of perspective, which continuft to riso 
as you aseend the valley, and especially in going north towards the Kiuka- 
poo. Though the strata actually rises in these directions, yet the face of 
the eouutry retains nearly the same elevations ; from which it follows, that, 
one after another, the superior beds thin out and disappear, and the lower 
hiut! iiniestono, sandstone, and snagnesian limestone gradually emerge from 
beneath tbe water courses and are ultimately found capping the adjacent 
hill.-, us may })e seen naar the mouth of Plumb Creek. Travelling still 
farther north, c,y nortJieast, very thin beds of magnesian limestone are 
seen capping the crest of the hills : and going a little further, the stratum 
runs out, and is succeeded \)y the next inferior stratum. Though the .sur- 
face stratum runs out, yet, at sonu5 tlistance, it is found again to thicken.. 
Tlie lower magnesian limestome, at the bend of the Mississippi River, 
nearly runs out, and it again thickens farther north, near Rad Axe River. 
IJetween this and .Prairie La Crosse the northerly rise again sets in, S(* 
fbat sandstone constitutes tlie great body of Mountain Island. 

.\ few miles lielow this, the principal axis of the Upper Mississippi com- 
Kieiiees. where tlie strata again descend towards the falls of St. Anthony. 
IJetween the entrance to Lake Pepin, tlie lower sandstone and lower maf» 
nosian limestone stand at the height of forty feet, and at the great bend 
of that lake, the top of the eminence stands at the same height. Thi^ 
order of superposition continues till we go three miles below Vermillion 
Ivivcr. where the sandstone disappears, the magnesian limestone occupy- 
ing tlie whole way from the river to the top of the cliff. The sandstone 
again emerges from beneath the water, three or four miles above the 
aiout.h of the St. Croix. The lower ma;rnesian limestone extends up thft 
rivprs (\srr(ir. :ind A'^ormillion. 



192 In DUST HI. 41, Kesouucks 

The t«(.enc depicted by nature on the main branch of the Chippewa, 
about fifty miles from its mouth, is by no means devoid of beauty. 
Being based on a soft sandstone, the surface is covered with disintegrated 
sand in every direction. The Chippewa Iliver has laid bare, on its north 
side, a bank of light yellow sand to the depth of forty feet. This sandy 
soil gives no great promise to repay the farmer for his labor, containing 
only a small percentage of organic matter, while it contains a very large 
percentage of Insoluble matter, composed chiefly of fine white sand, and 
only a ver}- small quantit\' of soluble salts, chiefly oxide of iron and 
alumina, with but a mere trace of lime. In some places however, 
it is far more productive than its appearance -.vould indicate, on account of 
a larger admixture of calcerous drift, derived from the magnesian lime- 
stone. •• A similar belt of laud extends from the Chippewa to the Black 
River and Prairie La Crosse River." This tract lies nearly parallel with 
the Mississippi, distant from it about twenty miles, and averages in width 
from forty to fifty miles. It diverges from Prairie La Crosse to the cast, and' 
crosses the Wisconsin River between Point Bas and the Dalles. From the 
Menomonee, this sandy belt runs north and northeasterly, towards Apple 
River, but receives a large quantity of calcerous matter, which improves its 
character. This sandstone district being iuterstratified with magnesian limo- 
stonc, the action of water undermines the harder rocks, leaving over- 
hanging ledges and caverns, which arc the favorite ri-sorts of reptiles, 
which are seen in multitudes hero, as well as at the Mississippi, below 
Lake Pepin, basking in the sun, at certain seasons of the y«ar. In such 
places tlie traveller should be cautious. 

A striking analogy exists between the physical features of the country 
occupied by the lower magnesian limestone and that of the district before 
described, and occupied by the upper magnesian limestone. This resem- 
blance, no doubt, is owing to the similar chemical composition of both 
rocks. The soil derived from the decomposition of both these formations 
is of excellent quality, being rich, not only in organic matter, but also in 
those mlucral salts which confer durability and give rapidity to the growth 
of plants. The immediate vicinity of the streams is in many placeg 
rough, but the rest presents a sufficiently level surface for agricul- 
tural purposes. But from Lake Pepin south to upper Iowa, the surfaee 
is considerably brok'in ; not too much so, however, for grazing purposes. 
This region is adapted to the breeding of sheep. 

The streams in this district are amply supplied with trout, and tho 
rivers with bass, carp, sunfish, pickerel, pike, and catfish. On the prairi-es 



OF Wjs=consin. 193 

are deer, grouse, plieasants antl partridges ; and the streams arc visited, 
at tlic proper season, by immense flocks of wild geeso and ducks. Tlie 
soil is of good quality between Turkey and Yellow rivers, in the eastern 
part of the Winnebago reserve, but is deficient in timber. The physic- 
al and agricultural features of the upper Iowa are gomewhat similar to 
those of the district just described, as regards the land, a few miles below 
the Big Spring. The upland prairie between the upper Iowa and Turkey 
River is of second rate quality, and the surface undulates ; the want of 
timber is a great drawback. 

Between Turkey River and the head water of the Wapsipenieon, and 
beyond that stream to near the Red Cedar, the country is rather marshy 
but level, and deficient in tipaber. In the interior of the Chippewa laud 
district, the features of the country vary with the change in the geologic- 
al formation. A little before reaching the igneous ranges, the stream runs 
between solid walls cut into the sandstone, known in that locality by the 
name of Delles. In this region may be seen granite, sienite, greenstone, 
hornblende, gneiss and mica slate. Chloritic and talcose rocks are also to 
be occasionally found in the region. 

The most southerly point on which granite rocks occur on the tribu- 
taries of the Mississippi, is on the Black River, the primitive rocks extend 
nearly to the top of the highest hills, pebbly sandstone occuring here and 
there. The soil and timber at this place are considerably improved. After 
crossing Cunningham's Creek, the granite is replaced by gneiss, which ex- 
tends five or six miles. "After the fourth principal meridian crosses Black 
River, no rocks, but boulders appear on the surface for sixty miles." 

It is not easy to define the boundaries of the sandstone region of 
Wisconsin. It occupies a large tract, resembling a crescent, commencing 
at the St. Croix district, and extending to the Menomonee, the broadest 
part being on the Wisconsin Eiver. This sandstone is supposed to be 
identical with the Pottsdam sandstone of New York, from the discovery 
of fossils, characteristic of both, not far from Lyons, in Sauk County., This 
rock is supposed to be the oldest containing fossil remains. The northern 
part of the state rests upon primary and other rocks of igneous origin, such 
as granite, trap, &c. This region is principally covered with pine. 

In a work like mine, I find it impossible to give a connected geolog- 
ical statement of facts ; as in connection with such facts I was often obliged 
to brancb off into some other subjiict relating to the industrial resources 
of the district under discussion. The economic geology of the State, 
therefo^re, could not be continuous without losing more time in the ar- 
rangement of the work than I could spare. 

The igneous ranges show themselves first in the beds of the east branch 

13 



194 Industkial Hesourcks 

of the Chippewa. In all this region of country, rapids lire numerous, and 
water-power extensive, with occasional groves of good timber. In the 
Lake Superior region is found good maple timber, indicative of good land; 
the surface is much broken, but not so much so as to render it unfit for 
agricultural purposes*. There are numerous ponds and morasses in many 
of the liollows, and sometimes, on vcr^^ elevated situations throughout this 
region, of trap formations. Similar ones occur in Michigan. From their 
circular form, and having no visible outlet, these are supposed to be cracks 
for the exit of lava. About a quarter of a mile north of the trap rock 
range, sandstone conglomerate makes its appearance. The maple land in 
the vicinity of the east fork is of good quality. 

The bays on Lake Superior are sandy ; the crests of the hills rocky, 
composed of sandstone and marly beds. A variety of opinions have been 
advanced regarding the age of the conglomerates, marls and red sandstone 
of Lake Superior. Some believe them to be contemporaneous with the 
new red sandstone of Great Britain, and others refer them to the oldest 
sandstone of the New York system. As no organic remains .-ire found 
bere, it is difficult to decide this question. Dr. Owen, however, is of the 
opinion, that from lithologieal and mineralogical character, these rocks may 
be referred to the new and red sandstone of England. Twenty miles south 
of St. Louis river, fine pine timber may be seen, and also, on the heights, 
good sugar maplei 

Lake Superior is the largest body of fresh water in the world, con- 
taining, aecording to official report, 22,000 square miles. Its surface is 
elevated 596 feet above the ocean level, while portions of its bed are sev- 
eral hundred feet below it, thus making it one of the deepest depressions 
on the face of the earth, excluding those portions covered by the oceau 
waters. • Its greatest length is 400 miles, and its greatest breadth 160 
miles. It contains but few islands, some of these being of igneous origin. 
At a period not very remote, a strong current swept one of the.se islands 
in a northwesterly direction, grinding down the softer beds , and polish- 
ing the hardest materials ; the grooves being perfectly distinct and well 
defined over a large extent. I have seen specimens whose surfaces were 
so definitely marked, that one Avould suppose they had recently loft the 
hands of the engraver, their angles having suffered so little from the or- 
dinary action ©f the elements. Six miles from Milwaukee, up the Meno- 
monee River, is found a limestone well polish.ed and beautifully fluted, all 
the grooves running perfectly parallel to one another, no two of them, how- 
ever, being of the same breadth or depth. This stone is the best I hare 
seen in the vicinity of Milwaukee, for building purposes, being rather com- 
pact, and presenting a pretty smooth surface. 



OP Wisconsin. 195 

The basement story of a houso in the town land of Lisbon shows the re- 
sult of glacier movement in great perfection. The floor is perfectly pol- 
isliecl, and the grooving iu it very deeply marked, but far asunder. I have 
seen the surface of a limestone quarry in the town of Monomonee, adjoin- 
ing the town land of Granville, well polished, with numerous parallel 
grooves, but slightly marked. Near the lighthouse, one mile north of the 
village of Sheboygan, the upper face of the limestone rock, which is near 
a hundred feet under the surface, is polished and ground, the direction of 
the grooves being W. N. AV. and E. S. E. A short distance from* the 
lighthouse, the limestone presents the same polished surface, and is streaked 
similar to the rock at that place, the direction (jf the streak being the same 
as above. 

The water of Lake Superior occupies a depression not by any means 
"excavated out of the soft and yielding sandstone," but caused by a de- 
pression of the earth, resulting from volcanic action. No mechanical ac- 
tion of water could excavate such an immense area to such a vast depth 
below the surfrjce of the ocean, as the bottom of this wonderful expanse of 
water is known to be. To excavate it even a quarter of an inch below the 
surface of the ocean, vvould be a physical impossibility. Large quantities 
of gaseous matter having escaped from the regions now occupied by our 
great Lakes, a depression or falling down would necessarily take place, 
when the temperature became cooled. If this depression took place when 
those portions of the northern hemisphere, now occupied by the great lakes 
were covered by the ocean, the lakes must have originally been salt water. 
A paper recently read before the Archeological Society of Ireland, points 
out the historical date cf the formation of Lousrh Neasrh and other lakes 
in Ireland, by volcanic action. If the moon had seas and rivers, many of 
those deep volcanic caverns which have been rendered visible by Lord 
Ilosse's telescope, would be lakes, whose bottoms would be far below the 
surrounding seas, as is the case with many of the American lakes. Num- 
bers of these lunar caverns are known to be of great depth, the surround- 
ing surface presefiti.ig no cone, but rather a flat plain, sucli as surrounds 
Lake Michigan and some of the other great lakes. These lunar caverns 
could no more be the result of the mechanical action of water, (allowing 
that this fluid did exist in the moon,) than that water could ascend from 
a lower point to a higher, unassisted by any force. I must, therefore, re- 
fer the excavation of such of our lakes, at least, as are below the ocean, 
not to the mechanical action of water, but rather to volcanic action. If 
Lakes Michigan and Huron were elevated by igneous action, the abrading 
action of water may have carried away large quantities of the surface, but 
none under the ocean; so that, in either case, a fallinsrdown of the bottom 



19G Industkia;, Hksoujide? 

must have taken place to account for their present position. 

Lake Superior is guarded ou the east and north by an irregular bell; 
of granite, ^Yhich will arrest any further encroachments of the waters at 
these points. There are some limited patches of sandstone whieli have 
escaped tlie degrading action of the lake waters. 

Lake Michigan, next in magnitude to Lake Superior, bounds Wiii- 
consin ou the east, and covers an area of 20,400 square miles ; its great, 
est length being 320 miles, and greatest breadth 100 miles. The depth 
of Lake Superior is 900 feet, and its surface is 596 feet above the ocean,, 
leaving its bottom 30-4 feet below the ocean. The depth of Lake Michigan 
is 1000 feet, and its surface is 578 feet above the sea; therefore the bot- 
tom of Lake ^Michigan is 422 feet below the surface of the ocean. Lake- 
Huron is lOOOfect deep, and its surface 578 feet above the ocean; there- 
fore its bottom is 422 feet below the surface of the ocean. This lake occu- 
pies an area of 20,400 square miles. 

From what is here exhibited, it appears that Lakes ]^lich^gan and 
Huron are on the same level. Lake Erie is comparativeh'- shallow, its 
.mean depth being only 84 ft., and area 9,600 square mdes,and its surface 565 
feet above the sea. Ontario has a mean depth of 500 feet, and covers 6,300 
square miles. Its surface is 232 feet above the sea. Lake St. Clair cov- 
ers an area of 364 square miles, and is only 20 feet deep, its surface be- 
ing 520 feet over the sea. 

The area drained by these lakes isestimatedat 335,515 square miles, 
all of which being a part of that immense plain bounded by the Appal- 
achian chain of mountains on the east, and by the Rocky Mountains on the 
west, and extending north and south from the Arctic Sea to the Gulf of 
Mexico. The mean elevation of this immense region is less than 1000 
fee*, and its highest points nowhere exceed 2500 feet. These culminating 
points can scarcely be designated mountains, being only the more elcvat- 
od portions of a gently rising and widely extended plateau. The two great 
outlets to carry off all the water of tliis district are the St. Lawrence and 
the Mississippi. The Mississippi is by far the larger, but the St. Law- 
rence discharges thcgreater quantity of water into the ocean. The St. 
Lawrence has stupendous cataracts — the other difficult rapids ; the "Fath- 
er of Waters" is turbid — the water of the other preserves crystal purity. 
The St. Lav/rence swells into inland seas — the other is destitute of such 
expansions, except Lake Pepin. IJoth, however, are similar in one par- 
ticular, being the great highways of commerce, by which the vast regions 
through which they pass are enriched and supplied Avith the luxuries of 
other climos. 

It has been argued ])y many that these lakes have tides similar to 



oy WiscoNsrN. 197 

those in the open Kens; but nov,' it is an admitted fact, that there is not 
regular flow or ebb of the waters similar to what is observed on the sea- 
shore. No doubt, the waters constantly lash the shore with a degree of 
force proportionate to existing causes ; but the cliauges in the elevation 
are too variable to be ti'aced to any natural cause constantly acting. I 
have taken some trouble myself to ascertain if the surface of Lake Michi- 
gan obeyed the attracting inliuenec of the sun and moon, but on account 
of the limited area over which the attracting force of these bodies acts, 1 
■could observe no regular rise or fall of the surface, sucli as would result 
from the laws of gravity. The constant motion of the waters of these lakes 
may be traced to other causes of a local character. The variation in the 
surface of the lake may be due to unequal barometric pressures on its sur. 
face, at different points, at the same time, by which motion may be com- 
inunicated, such as i.s generally seen on the mai-giu of the lake. There are, 
however, times when the water is perfectly motionle.=s, but not often for 
any length of time together. A local increased or deminished atmospheric 
pressure would lower or raise the water level, especially where the expanse 
of water is considerable. The water being thus locally raised, would, from 
its gravity, fall back, by which an oscillating motion would be communicat- 
ed, which would continue for some time after the producing cause had 
-ceased. In such a wide expanse of water as Lake Michigan, or Lake 
Superior, the surface must be constantly subject to nnequal barometric 
pressure, by which the surface must continually be disturbed. The action 
of the wind will likewise set the Avater in motion, as is well known to every 
one occupying a low situation on the border of any of the lakes. A strong 
easterly wind Avill cause the waves to rise gome feet at all the piers along 
the western shore of Lake Michigan,' inundating all such places as lie be- 
low a certain level. A westerly wind will produce similar effects on the 
eastern shore of the lake. De Le Bach very properly observes, that a 
sudden impulse given to particles of water, either by suddenly increased or 
diminished pressure of the atmosphere, would cause a rise or fall, in the 
manner of a wave, beyond tho hight or depth strictly due to mere weight 
itself. This v^'ould manifestly give rise to a series of aqueous waves, which 
would propegate themselves from the centre of disturbance, like the circles 
which are observed when a stone is thrown into the water. Hence it is, 
that undulations are observed in the water before the gale sets in. 

It is known that there is an auual variation in the surface of tkese 
lakes, arising from the melting of the ice and snoAV, which accumulate in 
their catchment basins during the inclement seasons of the year. When 
the water and snow freeze, tlie supply to the lake diminishes, and there- 
fore the Burfiice falls ; Imt when these congealed masses begin to melt uu~ 



198 Tndustriai- Kksourcbs 

der the influence of returning heat, the surfMco. of the hikes begins to rise. 
To this may be added Iho spring rains, which tend to elevate the lake sur- 
face in proportion to the quantity fallen. 

Besides the annual rise of the lakes, which is but small, (being no more- 
than from 12 to 18 inohes,) a considerable one is known to occur at un- 
equal intervals; varying from five to seven years, and, according to the re- 
port of pcraons who had opportunities of observing the phenomenon, to 
fourteen and nineteen years. During the last year, the surface of Lake 
Michigan attained a height of about four feet obove its usual level, by 
which the lower parts of the city of Milwaukee were covered with water. 
A knowledge of this fact shows the necessity of filling up such places, so 
as to raise them above the destructive influence of such recurring varia- 
tions. Lake Superior has been known to rise six feet above its usual 
level. The cause of these variations in the surface of tlie lakes, at un- 
equal intervals, is not so easily accovmtcd for as the annual variation. — 
One might be apt to refer the cause to the melting of immense glaciers, 
which might have taken years to accumulate in the bosom of some elevat- 
ed regions in a high latitude ; but the geography of the country shows tha* 
no such regions exist, and no evidence is on record of the existance of such* 
accumulations. Therefore we cannot refer these extraordinary accumula- 
tions of water in the lakes to extraordinary accumulations of snow. To 
what, then, are these periodical elevations of the surface of the lakes to be 
referred? Are we to refer the cause to increased rains falling in the catch- 
ment basins of the lakes at unequal intervals ? No rain gauges having been 
kept in the Lake Superior region, the condition of all its tributaries previ- 
ous to, and during the gradual elevation of the surface, ean only be resort 
ed to in the solution of the problem. Gentlemen connected with the cop- 
per mines of Lake Superior, informed me that during the years 1861 and 
1852, the surface of the lake continued to rise day by day, while all the 
tributaries to it were lower than they had been seen for many years be- 
fore. This information was corroborated by Mr. Sterling, of the State of 
Pennsylvania, a gentleman of great and correct observation, who travelled 
round the lake in 1852, when its surface was from four to six feet higlier 
than usual, which proves that the increased elevation of the surface could, 
by no means, be due to an unequal quantity of rain falling in its catch- 
ment basin, previous to, and during the year in which the surfae was seen 
continually to rise ; from wliich it appears that we must look toiome other 
cause than that of rain for the solution of the problem. 

In connection with this eubject, I might mention that the Fox River, 
the principal tributaiy to Lake Michigan, contributed a less quantity of 
water than usual to that lake, in 1852, while the surface of the lake rose. 



OF Wisconsin. , 199 

daring that year, from three to four feet higher than usual. Persons liv- 
ing on the bank of the Mississippi Ptiver assured me that that rirer was 
three feet lower during that year than usual. 

From these facts the conclusion is irresistible — namely, that igneous 
action communicated an upward motion to the bottom of the lakes, which, 
of course, caused the water to rise while the upward movement contin- 
ued. If we conceive this upward motion to cease, the surface of the lakes 
would soon begin to descend by discharging the elevated surface through 
the usual natural channel. When the upward force began again to act, 
BO as to communicate motion, the same phenomenon must necessarily have 
taken place. And as there is no reason why this internal force should 
communicate motion at equal intervals of time, we cannot expect a recur- 
rancc of the above phenomenon at the end of equal periods. Our rivers 
show ample evidence of this up-heaving force ; as they are all of consider- 
able depth for some distance from the lakes ; a condition that could not 
exist under any othercircumstance than that of subterrannean force, which 
would drive back the elevated waters, jast as we see them at the difierent 
points where the rivers discharge themselves into the lake. These deep 
channels, now occupied by still water, must have been excavated by the 
mechanical action of water flowing from a higher to a lower point. Hence 
it appears that the water must have been forced back into these deep chan- 
nels by an upward motion communicated to the l)ottom of our lake ; and 
as this phenomenon occurred once, without any doubt, there is no reason 
why it should not occur again and again, nn often as similar circumstances 
may occur. 

Tables in ray possession showing the quantity of rain and snow. fallen 
at Milwaukee in the years 1.^49, 1850, 1851 and 1852 make it appear, 
that more rain fell during ten months of the year 1849, than during the 
whole year of 1850 ; yet the lake was higher in 1850 than in 1849 ; and 
comparing the quantity fallen during the year 1849 with that which fell 
in 1852, the former exceeded the latter, though the surface of Lake Mich- 
igan was higher in '52 than in '40 by three or four feet. 

I was told that Lake Huron was higher in '52 than usual, but got 
no reliable information in reference to the state of its tributaries in that 
year. 

The following article, taken from the American Atheuaium of May 
9th, 1865, will account for the highstages of water sometimes observedin 
our great lakes. 



200 Industriai, Resoukcks 



TUE TIDE^ OF THE CUKAT l.AKKS. 



At irregular intervals, the surface of the great interior lakes of this 
continent are found to be higher by four, five, sis, or even eight feet, 
than at other times. To account for this, various theories have been starts 
ed. Mr. John Gregory, a gentleman of careful research, believes the tides 
to be the effect of igneous action, and states his belief as follows : 

A residence of about twenty years in Milwaukee enables me to say, 
with positive certainty, that the periodical rise of Lake Superior, as well 
of Lake Michigan, are not due to the attraction of the sun and moon. — 
Though the attraction of the celestial bodies extend their influences to the 
waters of our lakes, the forces do not act for a sufficient length of time 
to set them in motion, by reasons of tlie limited areas of the fluid surfaces 
exposed to such influences. 

For tliDUsands of years may be observed a recurrence of the flow and 
ebb of the tide in the open seas and oceans at regular intervals of time. 
When we compare these regular occurrances of tidal phenomena with the 
aspects of the moon, or the relative positions of the sun, moon and earth, 
during an entire sycle, we observe an unbroken relation, as regards time, 
which enables us at once to trace the cause of the flowing and ebbing of 
the tides to ihe attracting influence of the sun and moon (see Gregory's 
Astronomy). If this relation of equality, in point of time, were found not 
to exist between the recurring periods of the flowing and ebbing of the 
the tides, as compared with the aspects of the moon, on the relative posi- 
tions of the sun, moon and earth, during an entire cycle, we could not, 
by any mode of reasoning founded on tho established rules of logic, refer 
the cause of the tides to the attracting influence of the sun and moon. Let 
us apply this undeniable principle, to prove the fallacy of an opinion some 
times put forward on this subject by persons of respectable pretentions; 
namely, that a subterranean communication exists between the lakes and 
the sea or ocean, and that the high stages of water periodically observed 
in the former are produced by the spring tides in the latter. From all tho 
facts I could collect from written documents and from intelligent persona 
who had long resided on the borier.s of these great lakes, these high stage 
return at intervals of periods varying from flvo to seven years, and some 
times to fourteen and nineteen years. These periods have no relation what 
ever, in point of time, to the recurring pei iods of high tides in the ocean 
or sea. They are too variable to be trneed to any natural cause constant- 
ly and uniformly acting. 



OV V/lSCONSIN. 201 

Therefore the idea of subterranean channels communicating with the 
ocean should not be entertained. If Alpine regions, occupying a bigli po- 
sition and shedding their waters into the lakes were found to exist, one 
might be apt to refer the cause to the meeting of immense glaciers, which 
might have taken more or less years to accumulate in the bosom of sucn 
regions; ' but geography proves that no such regions exist, nor is there any 
extraordinary accumulation of ice or snow on written record, or handed 
down to us by tradition. Therefore we cannot refer these extraordinary 
elevations in the surface of the lakes at irregular intervals to aceiunulations 
of snow. To what, then, are v;e to refer them? 

Are we to refer the cause to increased rains falling in the catchment 
basins of the lakes at unequal intervals ? No rain gaviges baving been 
kept in the Lake Superior regions that I am aware of, the condition of all 
its tributaries previous to, and during the gradual elevations of the surface, 
i',an only be resorted to in the solution of the problem. 

Grentlemen connected with the copper mines of LakeSuperlor informed 
me that during the years 1851 and 1S52, the surface of the lake continued 
to rise day by day, while all the tributaries to it were lower than tbey 
had been for many years before. This information was corroborated by Mr. 
Sterling, of Pennsylvania, a gentleman of great and'correct observation, 
who travelled around the lake in 1852, when the surface was from five to 
six feet higher than usual, which proves that the increased elevation oi 
the surface could, by no means, be due to an unequal quantity of rain fall- 
ing in its catchment basin previous to, or during the year in which the sur- 
face was seen continually to rise ; from which it' appears that we must 
look to some other cause than that of rain for the solution of the problem 
under discussion. In connection with this subject 1 may mention that the 
Fox River, the principal tributary to Lake Michigan, contributed a less 
quantity of water tban usual to that lake in 1852, while the surface 
rose during that year from three to four feet higher than usual. Per- 
sons living on the bank of the Mississippi River, assured me that that 
river was thj-ee feet lower during that year than usual. 

From all the facts above stated, in connection with others, the 
conclusion is irresistible, namely, that igneous action, at different times, 
communicated an upward motion to ihe bottom of the lakes, which, of 
course, caused the water to rise while the upward motion continued. If 
this upward motion ceased, the surface of the lakes would soon begin to 
descend, by discharging the elevated surface through the usual natural 
channels. When the upward force begins again to act, so as to commu- 
aieate motion, the same phenomenon would necessarily take place. And 
as there is no reason why this internal igneous force should occur at 



202 [NDDSTRIAfi KrSOURCE^ 

equal intervals of time, we cannot expect a reciirraucc of the above phe- 
nomenon at the end of equal periods. Our rivers show ample evidence of 
this up-heaving force, as they are all of considerable deptli for some dist- 
ance from the lakes, a condition of things that could not exist under any 
other circumstance than that of an up-heaving for(!e, vrhicli would necos- 
garily drive back the elevated surface waters into the rivers, just as we 
see them at diflForent points where the rivets discharge tbenisclve.s into the 
lake. 

These deep channek, now occupied by still Avater, must liave been 
excavated by tlie mechanical action of water flowing from a h gher to a 
lower point. Hence it appears that the water must have been forced back 
into theae deep channels by an upward motion communicated to the bottom 
of the lake ; and as it is a settled and conceded fact that this phenomenon 
occurred once, there is no reason why it should not occur again and again, 
under similar circumstances. — 

A year or two ago, Lake Michigan rose to some small bight near Ua- 
cine, by which the water of the lake was forced up the Racine River to 
some distance. This rise of the surface of the lake and river was caused 
by a small igneous forco acting beneath. The earthquake that caused 

the surface to rise lasted but a short time, and the up heaving f(M-ce was 
not considerable. 

Earthquakes have frequently occurred in many parts of the world of 
late years. Last year (1869) one of considerable force disturbed the 
'equelibrium of the Pacific along the western American coast for many 
miles, and a small shock was felt last year in the third ward of th« city of 
Milwaukee, v/hich lasted about one minute and a half, doing little or no 
injury. 

Green Ray, a name derived from the fancied color of the water, may 
be considered as a part of Lake Michigan, being the outlet of Fox or Nc' 
nail River. At this point there are several islands, the largest being Po- 
tawatomie Island. The bay contains, besides this, Rook Island, Detroit 
and Plum Islands, Chamber Islands and Gras Island. 

The largest lake iu the State is Lake Winnebago, being about thirty 
miles long and ten broad, and containing an area of about two hundred 
and twenty square miles. The Fox, or Neenah River, enters it at Osh- 
kosh, and issues from it by two channels ; the south channel leading to 
the town of Neenah, and the north to Monasha, enclosing Doty Island be- 
tween both branches. These two rival towns have grown with magic 
speed within a few years, and are destined, at least one of them, to rise to 
some importance; occupying, as they do, the high way between the great 
Iftkeg and the Mississippi. These channels, connecting Lake Winnebago 



OF Wisconsin. -OS 

with the little Butte des Mortes lake, arc known as the Winnebago Kapids^ 
which are now navigable by steam-boats. When 1 first went to lay out 
the canal at the Ncenah side, only one boat was employed on the lake, and 
now there are no less than , being an increase of in about three 

years; and if the improvements down from these points to Green Bay, 
and west to the Mississippi, were completed, which it ia expected they 
will be within a year or two, I have no doubt but scores of steam-boats 
will be seen daily on this fine sheet of water.* In calm weather, the water 
of this lake is quite clear; but during a heavy gale it becomes turbid, the 
lake being shallow, but sufficiently deep for purposes of navigation. This 
lake must have been deeper than at present. For about the diBtance of 
eight miles, the north shore of Lake Winnebago is compofsed of low sandy 
beach, and for an extent of fifteen miles, the cast side of the shore presents 
a wall composed of rocks, so closely laid together as to lead one to suppose 
that tlie work was constructed by man. A similar wall, but of less costic- 
uity, skirts portions of the western shore. These walls rise about five feet 
above the water, and extend under it some hundreds of feet. These walls 
have been forced by the expansive force of ice in winter, by which the rocks 
near the shore are annually driven towards it, until they are finally thrown 
up into a ridge, or wall; a phenomenon observable at Pewaukee, and other 
lakes in Milwaukee County. The surfaac of this lake, according to Mr. 
Cram, is ICO feet above the level of Lake Michigan. 

All these vast lakes discharge themselves through tlic river St. Lawr- 
ence ; but time ha.s left upon record ample evidem^.e that Lake Michigan 
once sent it.? waters down the valley of the Illinois, into the Father of 
Waters. Lakes Huron and Erie were the tril)utarie8 to Lake Michigan. 
I have traced the old track through Illinois, and, if space and time permit- 
ted, I should feel much pleasure in describing the evidences left behind by 
the deserted river. It is supposed that a barrier once existed accross the 
straits of Mackinavr, fehrou«[h which the waters of Lake Michigan now 
flow into Lake Huron. This change of direction in the course of these 
immense bodies of water may be accounted for on the principle of eleva- 
tion and deprcss'on. The bottom of Lake 3Iichigan must have once occu- 
pied, relatively to its western shores, a lower position than it does at pres- 
ent, as beforo stated. All the streams I have seen discharging themselve.n 
into this lake, are, for some distance inland, very deep, affording basins for 
the accommodation of shipping at Chicago, Southpovt, llncine, 3Iilwaukee, 
Port Washington. Sheboygan, Manitowoc, &c. 



"^ The iuiprovemeiit of the Eox River will probably be soou ooninienceii. Gov, 
FairchiW and other influential gentlemen of the tjtato, took up the s^uhject last year 
(1869) in real earnest, and it is not likely that they will slacken their exertions till 
80 desirable an improvement shall have been accomplished. 



-04 [xr)L-,STiiiAL Uesouucks 

Ancient lake beeches are traced round lake Eric, elevated one huu- 
■dred and eight feet above thepresent surface of the water, which is sufficient 
evidence that a depression must have taken place at that point. Now, a 
(leprcssiou of the country about the Niagara liivcr, and an elevation on 
the northern part of Illinois, would evidently change thf course of the lake 
waters from the Mississippi to the St. Lawrence, as we' find them at pres- 
ent. Ivvery geologist is aware that great changes in the relative elevations 
of several districts have taken place, and that the causes which produced 
such changes are still in operation in many parts of the world. The earth 
is rising in Scandinavia at the rate of two feet in a century, and I have no 
iloubt but that Lake Michigan is rising, not, perhaps, by an etiuible mo- 
tion, from a similar cause. 

The absence of islands in Lake Jlichigan, except a few near its north- 
ern extremity, is unfavorable to navigation, as there is s--carcely anything 
deserving the name of a deep bay on the entire coast, except at G-reenBay- 
before noticed. Tiiere are circumstances, however, which in some degree 
'Compensate for the absence of deep bays or islands along the western shore 
of Lake Michigan. Not a single shoal or roch is to be found, the entire 
£hore being lined with a bank of clay, and tlie margin sufficiently deep for 
vessels drawing any depth of Avater, with these deep and safe inlets at the 
mouths of the streams, before mentioned. It is very remarkable that aU 
these great lakes are characterized by the absence of ielaads. 

Hitherto these Vrestera States have been hemmed in fur about five 
months in the year by the iae and snow. The navigation ef Lake Michi- 
gan usually opens in the montli of ?'Iarch, but we seldom have arrivals from 
below the straits of jMackinaw till some time in April, in coEsequenee of 
these straits remaining closed with masses of solid ice until about this time. 
In future, I see no reason why we should continue separated from the 
Eastern States even for one month. The Rail Roads proposed to be built 
along the shore, from Green IJay to Chicago, and from Grand Haven, op- 
posite Milwaukee, to Detroit, and by port Huron, to Halifax, will enable 
the Wisconsin merchant, and others, to go to New York or IJoston, or any 
other place, where their business may require them to go. The navigation 
across the lake, from Milwaukee to Grand Haven, may not be interrupted 
for three days together during a whole year; but should it become inter- 
rupted, the difficulty will be obviated by going through Chicago. The u8c 
of an ice-breaker would enable a first clas.s steam-boat to cross the lake 
during the entire winter, during high gales excepted. A break-water out- 
side, and a good dock at or near the confluence of the Milwaukee and Mcn- 
omoneeRivers, with a straight cut to the lake, would advance the interests 
-of the city of Milwaukee very considerably. These are improvements which 



ci- Wisconsin. 205 

the necessities of the State iiupeiatively demancl speedily to be earned 
into eiTect.* 

Some years ago, the foolish and inhuman practice of some steara-hoat 
^'ommanders of running races with rival steamboats, often resulted in the 
loss of many human lives and mucli valuable property, on our lakes and 
rivers. This practice, however, is no longer known, and the travelling 
public have more security, which is a step in the right direction. With 
the view to guard against the danger of storms, scientific men began, some 
years ago, to keep regular records of the direction, force, duration, and 
velocity of the winds in different places, expecting to find out such facts, 
as would enable the mariner to foretell tlie approach of a storm, and pre- 
pare against its dangerous effects. 

The late Admiral Fitzroy, of tlio British Navy, was the first person 
that put into practical operation storm signals, at different places, in 1861. 
His precautioning plans were soon adopted in several of the nations in 
Europe, and, in 1869, the Hon. H. E. Paine, of Milwaukee, favorably 
known as an able general, an honest representative of the people, and 

a good citizen, Ijrought tlie matter formally before Congress at Wash- 
ington, and it is expected we shall soon have a system of storm-sign alti 
regularly established throughout the length and breadth of this great 
continent. To carry out the plan here proposed, our fellow-citizen. 
Prof. J. A Lapham, L. L. D., is stationed at Chicago. Dr. Laphara 
is well qualified to discharge the duties of the post he occupies. 

Though America does not claim the credit of being the first that 
put in operation a practical system of weather forecasts and storm sig- 
nals, yet the writer feels it his duty, to state, that the world is in- 
debted to an American citizen for the best work on the theory of storms 
ever published. This work is the production of Prof. Espy, who has 
done more to establish the physieal laws that govern atmospheric disturb- 
ance, than all the philosophers of Europe put together. JNIany years ago 
Prpf. Espy visited Ireland, when the writer happened to have the honor 
of being a member of the council of the Geological Society of Dublin, and 
from a hasty glance at the work, having been forcibly impressed by the 
novelty and truth of the Professor's theory of storms, he recommended 
that he be forthwith engaged to deliver lectures on the subject, exelus- 
ively for the benefit of that society. Candor demands this testimony to 
be borne to the character of Prof. Espy, as a philosopher, by one who has 



* This cut was made some years ago, as surveyed and located by me. At the 
same time I forwarded a report and map of the riveri^ to Wasliington, on which were 
lai d down all the improvements I then recommended. 



iJOG [ndustrial Resoukcks 

devoted a portion of a loug life to scieutilic subjects, but claims no right 
to be considered a high authority. 

The quantity of fish caught in these lakes is really astonishing — the 
white fish being by far the best. Sturgeon of large size are caught in Lake 
Michigan; and, among other fish found in many of our lakes and rivers, 
Are salmon, perch, bass, suckers, herrings, pickerel,, trout, catfish, sheep's- 
head, lawyers, and man}' other;. Large quantities of the fish arc used in 
all the populous towns in the State, and in some places in the northern 
part of t lie State, where agriculture has not made much progrees ; and 
where game is scarce, the Indians have lived almost exclusively on it. 
The salmon, or trout, is not ns good a quality as those caught in Great 
Britain or Ireland. The exact quantity of fish taken in our lakes is not 
easily ascertained, as no one takes the trouble to collect tl;e statistics of 
this important branch of onr resources. 

Besides Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Winnebago, our State is pro- 
fusely dotted with many others of less note, in point of magnitude; sever- 
al of them exhibiting the grandest scenery that can be imagined. Skirt- 
ing many of these deep and crystal reservoirs, are sloping hills, covered 
with groves and clumps of stately trees, precipitous biufi's covered with 
^•,edar, hemlock, sprnce and other evergreens ; projecting rocks, (whose 
base have been worn away by the corroding hand of time, ) on which the 
American eagle stands, with all the pride of majesty, inspired by the con- 
sciousness of his power and superiority over tlie rest of the feathered tribes 
of the forest, eagerly watching the ingress and egress of such animals as 
may have taken refuge in the gloomy cavern beneath, and ready to pounce 
upon theiu with relentless rapacity. The thousands of small wooded inlands 
confer on the Lake of the Woods and Kainy Lake a degree of picturesque 
character peculiarly interesting. 

Particular description of scenery forms no part of my design, other- 
wise many of the smaller lakes of Wisconsin would deserve special notiee. 
Among them are Cass Lake, Lake Pepin, St. Croix. (Upper an Lower.), 
the Four Lakes, the Millc Lac, Oltowa, Geneva, Green, Litlle Grecn^ 
Pewaukce, Pewaugan, Koshkonong, Sand Lake, Leech Lake, Nagowee- 
ka Lake, Nemahbin Lake, Crooked Lake, Cranberry Lake, Silver Lake, 
La Belle Lake, Oconomowoc Lake, Lake Traverse, Itasca Lake, Front 
Lake, Lac Brule, Lake Katakettlekon, Little or Lac Yieux Desorte, 
Sturgeon, Lac de Flambeau, or Torch Lake, Otter, PuckaAva, Buffalo, 
Lake Shawano, English Lake, Cedar Lake, Big Elkhart Lake, Little Elk- 
hart Lake, Sheboygan Lake, Musquewoc Lake, Random Lake, Gold Lake, 
Kauohee Lake, Beaver Lake, Mequonago Lake, Mouse Lake, Monish 
Lake, Muskogo Lake, Nagowick Lake, Nashota (Twin) Lakes, North 



Of U'iSCONSIN. 207 

Lake, Pine Lake, Hound Lake, Powock Lake, Tuck-kip-ping Lake, Del- 
avaa Lake, Como Lake, Deer Lake, Rock Lake. Riplej Lake, P^cd Cedar 
Lake, Fos Lake, Lake Emil}-, Lakic, Long Lake, Rush Lake, Great But- 
te des Mortes, Little Butte des Mortcs, Swan Lake, Mud Lake, Lake 
Sarah, Las Courtsielle, Lac Chetae, Tamarack Lake, Rice Lake, Yellow 
Lake, Lake Pokegoma, Portage Lake, White Elk Lake, Puckwee Lake, 
or Flag Lake, Island Lake, Pekegoniag Lake, Big Turdle Lake, Little 
Turdle Lake, Kewaykevede, Little Lake, SvfampLake, Lake Wepelanock, 
Lower Rock Lake, Upper Rack Lake, Musclo Lake, Qui Traine Lake, 
Lilly Lake, Sheshehagoraag Lake, Mishun Lake, La Roche Lake, Win- 
ibigoshish Lake, Lac Grit, Hornangle Lake, Pejekig Lake. Besides these, 
Wisconsin contains numerous lakes which have not yet received names. — 
The lakes are here mentioned without any regard to order and locality 

The lakes in the north and west part of the State of Wisconsin may 
be divided into two classes, or, rather, varieties. From these lakes many 
of the streams take their rise. One class, or variety, forms a chain, con- 
nected by streams, sometimes so shallow as scarcel}' to admit the passage 
of a light cauoe, while in other instances they are formed by the expan- 
sion of the waters of larger streams in basins of one or two miles in diam- 
eter. To this variety belong the lakes which have no communication ex- 
cept in the spring of the year, during the melting of the snow, or. in rainy 
seasons, '-when they are joined by streams which flovr along vallies, one© 
evidently the beds of large water courses, but now elevated above the gen" 
eral level of the lakes, and converted into meadows, cranberry marshes, or 
swamps." Mr. JNorwood further observes, that between a great portion 
of the now isolated lakes west of Bois Bruei and St. Crois River, from. 
St. Louis River to the Falls of St. Anthony, old communications of this 
kind may be traced, and most of the rich vallies of that portion of the dis- 
trict owe their soils to lacustrine deposites, made during the long period 
of elevation, during which the beds of large rivers were first converted in- 
to chains of lakes, and subsequently drained, as the process of elevation 
continued." 

Many of the vallies west of the Bois Brule, and south of the great bend 
of the St. Louis River, present indications of having been drained at a 
comparatively recent period, while some of them are evidently in process 
of drainage at the present time; so that v.^e may safely calculate on a con- 
siderable addition to the tillage land of the State in the course of time. 
This process of drainage might be accelerated by art, at a very incon- 
siderablfe expense. In connection with this process of drainage, I take 
leave to state that Dr. Owen says that the Little Makoquito, (a stream 



208 [ndustriai, Eesoukcks 

barely large euougb to turn a mill,) has, by abrading its channel for 
countless ages, ^rorn its bed to the depth of four hundred feot in solid 
limestone, and that the mighty Mississippi has rolled its tide loiig 
enough to have "worn the chasm through which it passes. 

Before I conclude the subject connected with these two classes of 
lakes, I might mention, as being rather curious, that several of them 
are situated at the summit of the water-shod, and are tributary both to 
Lake Superior, and the Mississippi. 

The second variety of lakes are such as have no visible outIet> 
or any visible source of supply except what collects from the surrounding^ 
hills. These are perhaps more numerous than the chain variety, before 
described. These lakes, which seldom exceed one mile in diameter, are 
generally found in districts based upon sandstone, or Avhere heavy depos- 
its of drifts are found resting upon metamorphic rocks. These lakes are 
generally circular or oval, while the chain lakes present every variety of 
form. 

These circular or oval lakes are generally from GO to 100 feet imder 
the surrounding surface, "the ground sloping down to the water's edge 
with great regularity, like the descend of an amphitheatre, and covered 
with grass." Many of these lakes are dotted with islands, based on bould- 
ers, and covered with wood. These are seldom of any considerable depth, 
and are supplied, as well as the chain lakes, with delicious fish. These 
lakes show unmistakable evidQiice of being extinct volcanoes. The bord- 
ers of some of the chain lakes are covered with marsh, in which the wild 
rice grows in great plenty, which invites myriads of wild fowl to flock to- 
gether in this region of country. The beds of almost all are pebly, and the 
water clear. 

With so many lakes and rivers, what country is better supplied with 
fish and fowl ? With such a vast extent of navigable waters, what countrj;- 
can equal it in facilities of transport ? The Mississippi alone, with its trib- 
utaries, affords continuous navigation for 14,500 miles. On this river 
were 600 steamers, making a tonnage of 1.50,000, worth ^10,000,000, and 
carrying §250,000,000 yearly, in 1855. When all the railroads chartcred, 
at present amounting to 63, shall have been completed, all the tributaries 
to this river made navigable, what calculation will represent the sum total 
of the business done on it ? Time alone can tell. The Mississippi, with all 
its outlets, measures 51,000 miles, and some writers are of the opinion 
that 20,000 miles arc navigable, which exceeds the above estimate. 



EioGRAriiv. 209 

THADDEUS C POUND. 

Theru are very few prominent men of the iNorthweat whose versatile 
experiences represent more interestingly the sharp angles of our civilization 
than the present Lieutenant G-overnor of Wisconsin. Now one of the most 
n^ted lumbermen of tha* section of the country where lumbermen are the 
mighty merchants of the land, eminent in the polities of his State, quite 
notably distinguished among the public men of the great Valley of the Up- 
per Mississippi, he has acquired all he hag, and become what ho is, notwith- 
standing early poverty and subsequent difficulties which would have been 
insurmountable, except by extraordinary ability and pluck. Thaddeus 
Coleman Pound was born December Gth, 1832, in the town of Elk, pop- 
ularly known as "Quaker Hill", in the northwestern part of Pennsylvania. 
His father and mother, Elijah and Judith, vyere quakers, vi^ho had recent- 
ly removed from Rochester, Nev/ York. They were poor. We have often 
heard Mr. Pound speak of his birthplace — a small log house, with an 
immense lire place ; the old-fashioned back log ; the boiled or baked ches- 
nuts : the buckwheat cakes on the huge griddle suspended from a crane, 
and eaten with maple syrup; the inevitable school-mistress, "boarding 
round", and all the other accompaniments of log-cabin life which now seem 
to appertain from an ancient age. In 1838 Elijah Pound removed to west- 
ern New York, having found the road to fortune difficult to travel in 
Pennsylvania, and the goal invisible. About a year after the removal of 
the family to New York, the wife and mother died, when the boy Thad- 
deus went to live with his grandfather, after whom he had been named. 
Here he passed four years of boyhood, when his fatlier, having married 
again, took Ids children, and made a Fourierite venture with a society then 
organizing in the to^vnof Glarkson. Six weeks of uubuttered bread and 
unseasoned vegetables satisfied Mr. Pound's ambition in this particular, 
and he then moved to Ilochesfcer, where he atid his sous were employed 
in a woolen factory, the wages of Thaddeus being one shilling a day for as- 
sorting wool. The lads earned some pocket money by "doing chores" for 
the neighbors — the labor in this line, in which Thaddeus excelled, being, 
we believe, washing buggies in the Genessee River. "While he was at work 
in the woolen factory, James K. Polk was elected President of the United 
States. One of the consequences of that political event, as connected with 
precciing vicious legislation, was that the prices of woolen goods declined. 
Wages of factory hands declined also, and in consequence, young Pound 
became a^tariff whig. Whether he still clings to his '■'boyhood's faith" 
in this respect, or has adopted ideas worthy of his vigorous manhood, we 
have not taken pains particularly to inquire. The "hard times" of this 
period are matter of general recollection. Poverty knocked at the door 
14 " ■ 



210 BlOGllAl'llY. 

of Eliiab Pound's home. He determinod to try liis fortune iu the westoru 
lands. By disposing of much of his household furniture, he was able to 
secure deck passage for his family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on a lake 
steamer. There the family arrived in May, 1847, and proceeded tlience, 
to Walworth County, stopping for a while with Joel Pound, brother of 
Elijah. Here the stepmother soon became sick and died, and not long after 
a daughter, but two or three years old, of whose beauty and infantile love- 
liness Grov. Pound still sp-eaks with affectionate remembrance, was buried 
with her. A farm was rented on Avhat was then known as "Cattish Prai- 
rie", in Ptoek County, about ten miles from the now beautiful and flour- 
ishino- city of Janesville, where father and sons lived in bachelor style. — 
Thaddeus performed double duty, being both farm hand and cook. This 
brino-s us to an irapoTtant event in the life of Goveraor Pound — the turn- 
point, we may say of his history. He had not received, it may well be 
supposed, from what has already been said, special advantages of educa- 
tion. He had attended the common scliools quite regularly during the 
winter seasons, and in the studies tliere pursued he was dUigent and pro- 
fieient. He had also read such books as he could borrow, and had become 
a youtk of more than usual intelligence. In the winter of 1847. the young 
man, then attending district school near the farm, found himself one day 
promoted to the rank of teacher. The trustees had, for some cause, dis- 
missed the teacher who had been employed, and, in accordance with the 
vote of the pupils, had selected young Pound to take the position. Tliat 
he filled it with success, though but fifteen years of age, is a remarkable 
fact, (unif{ue, as far as we recollect, except in the case of George D. Preiit- 
iee,) and greatly to his credit. This event added greatly to his education- 
al ambition, andwe find him, soon afterwards pursuing his studies at Wil- 
ton Academy. He had but little ease, however, for he paid his tuition, 
boarding and clothing with funds gained by teaoJiing public school during 
the winter, and by working in the harvest fields during summer vacations. 
An episode of his educational life occured in 1850, when ho and his elder 
brother, Albert E., made a lecturing toxir, in which they performed many 
interesting experiments, in what was then called Animal Magnetism, a.*; 
well as exposed many of the humbugging tricks which about this time de- 
luded many people who pinned their faith to this "science"'. After this tlie 
brothers returned to New York state, with the object of further pursuing 
their studies. This they did at Rushford Academy, alternately studying 
there and teaching district school and v,-riting school, until the month of 
October, 1855, when they were severally married by one ceremony to two 
sisters, the elder to Sarah, and Thaddeus toAngevine Looniis. During the 
following winter the subject of our sketch and hisbride taught a high school 



BlOGJlAPUY. 211 

at Caledonia, making enough money, less twenty dollars borrowed, to 
carry them to Chippewa Falls, "Wisconsin, where they have ever sincere- 
sided— as has the brother with his family. Here, also, the father has lived 
for some years, and still lives with" his eiiildren and grandchildren — a 
hale, hearty and happy old gentleman. 

Since the time when Mr. Pound went to Chippewa Falls to live, his 
life has been a steady career of success, whether as respects his private 
business affairs or his connection with politics. He began these as an ac- 
counting clerk. la 1859 — 60 he was chosen Enrolling Clerk of the Wis- 
consin Assembly. He is now Lieutenant Governor of the State and es- 
officio President of the Senate, and president and chief business manager 
of the Union Lumbering Company, whose business, amounting to more 
than a million dollars annually, is conducted over a vast expanse of terri- 
tory, and embraces the lumber trade in all its branches— from getting the 
new material from the forest, to landing it, in boards, shingles, and laths, 
on the wharfs of the 3Iississippi River cities ; merchandizing in about all 
of its branches; agriculture in all its forms. The company, owning valu- 
able water power and mills, and carrying on an immense business, is the 
successor of Pound, Halberfc & Co., lumber manufacturers and merchants, 
long generally noted iu both those lines of business. Of this firm, Mr. 
Pound was the senior partner and manager. The firm was in existence, 
before its business was transferred to the joint stock company, from 1862 
to 1869. Its principal trade was in lumber; and if it carried on cpite an 
extensive mercantile operation, and accomplished also no ^little in practical 
agriculture, it was because of the nature and extent of the operations and 
transactions in the manufacture and sale of the products of the pineries. 
Every one knows that the primal operations iu the lumber business are 
performed in the winter season, when the trees are felled by woodsmen, 
sawn asunder into logs of different length, and carried to the streams and 
mills on sleds. Many men and domestic animals are required in this branch 
of the trade. Then, if the millfi are in the lumber regions, the logs are 
sawn into boards, laths, and shingles. This requires many men also. Next 
is the formation of rafts— that is, the boards are fastened together for the 
purpose of being floated down the river to market. These rafts are made 
in "sections", for easy management in the smaller streams. When they 
reach the Mississippi, the sections are fastened together into a huge str,uc- 
ture, oftener worth more or less than one hundred thousand dollars. Then, 
in charge of a pilot and from ten to fifteen raftsmen, the raft is navigated 
down the river. Thus there are floated down the Mississippi River every 
year hundreds of rafts, worth millions of dollars. The raftsmen form a 
class of men by themselves— rough in exterior and manners, usually wear 



~1- JilOGRArilY. 

iiig red shirts, addicted to drinking when ;iHhore, aud other immoralities 
which have not seldom resulted in fearful crimes; but often of generous 
disposition, nearly always true to their employers, and invariably skilful 
in the "manly art" of self-defence. 

Sometimes the rafts are assisted down the i-iver by little steamers 
pushing them. Such has been the case with much of the lumber sold by 
Mr. Pound. Now it will be perceived that, to carry on this business ex- 
tensively — fr(,'m cutting down the trees to the sale of the lumber in rafts 
at various places along the river — requires in the first place unusual busi- 
ness talents and executive capacity. That Mr. Pound has occupied a prom- 
inent position in this business among those engaged in it on the Upper 
Mississippi is universally agreed by all acquainted with the trade. We 
do not hesitate to say that it is more difficult to conduct successfully the 
business which Mr. Pound has carried on, as the head of the Union Lum- 
bering Company, than to conduct with credit the chief executive office of 
any State of the Republic. The statement ouglit not to be omitted, that 
Mr. Pound's brother,' Albert, has always been associated with him in busi- 
ness, and is now tlio Secretary of the Lumber Company. They have nev- 
er kept any accounts with each other; have never quarrelled, and the one 
JB just as well off as the other. While Mr. Pound was thus passing up, by 
reason of remarkable business capacity, integrity and eaergy, from the 
position of an accountant to that of president of a company of great 
and varied trade — from the grade of simple livelihood to that of afflu- 
ence — he was also constantly extending his reputation and his influence 
in the public aifairs of the great State of which he is a citizen. He was 
a Member of the Assembly, the popular branch of the Legislature, in 
1848: and was successively re-elected to the Assembly of 1864, 1867, 
and 1869, — at the latter session being chosen speaker pro-tempore. He 
has also been quite generally spoken of, meantime, for more prominent, 
if not more important, official station. At the Republican Convention of 
1869 ho was nominated for Lieutenant Governor, and was elected inNovem- 
ber by a majority of about ten thousand votes. As a legislater he was 
laborious, popular, influential; and as a presiding officer of the Senate, 
he is impartial, dignified and efficient. He had not been long in the As- 
sembly before he had shown an aptitude for legislative business, and 
tact in bringing his views, and measures into favour, which gave him an ex- 
tensive reputation. He was often spoken of by public journals of the 
state, with hearty approvals and in connection with the highest office in 
the Assembly ; but ho declined to be a candidate tlierofor. He devoted 
■special attention to the subject of the free navigation of the rivers of Wis- 
consin, by nature suitable for this purpose ; and is known as tlie cham- 
pion of several notable successes in furtherance of his views. Mr. Pound 
is also the author of a very able report, made to 



JilOGKAPHY. 213 

the Legislature several years ago agaiosfc tlie authority of individual 
states to grant railway companies or others the franchise of bridging the 
Mississippi River — a document whoso views have since been indorsed by 
Congress. In politics, Grovcrnor Pound is a Republican of the most 
radical 'type. He believes in the political equality of all men, and wouaen . 
He is a pleasant speaker, and as a ccversatioualist has a sort of magnetic 
power little less than fascinating. All who come in contact with him, 
whether in business, tlie social circle, or in politics, acknowledge his kindly 
and genial nature. That he has admirable abilities, is conclusively shown 
by his sucecsa in extensive business, and in the high reputation which he 
has won among the Citizens of his adopted State and of other States. 

The History of Lieutenant 'Governor Pound is the highest tastiraony 
that oould be borne to his character, as a man. 

Ln the weakness of early iioyhood, he commenced the battle of life 
and fought his way to manhood with heroic courage, unremitting perse- 
verance, and consumate skill, and came out victorious. Governor Pound 
now stands before the world, crowned with unfading laurels — a man of 
much wealth, considerable influence, and a pjiblic benefactor, as an em- 
ployer. He foi-ras a permanent Landmark, to which his descendants will 
point with pride and pleasure, long after he quits this stage on which he 
316W plays his part of the drama of human life. 

Governor Faircliild fought his way up to the executive chair, which 
he now occupies, and frora which ho watches, with parental solicitude, the 
wants and wishes of the people, doing all in his power to remedy the one 
and satisfy the other. Circumstances did not force him into the hard bat- 
tle of life at an early age, but when his country required his services, he 
voluntarily went to fight the enemies of the constitution, and the sketch 
•of his life before published in this Work, v/ill shoA\' tlio part lie acted. 



HENRY EAETZ. 

State Treasurer Henry RaeLs, of Manitowoc, was born in Stockhausen, 
Hesse Darmstadt, in (xermany, July 27, 1830 and came to this country 
in December 1835, settling at Two-Kivers. In July 1S56 he removed to 
Manitowoc and took a place as Clerk in the office of Register of Deeda 
of Manitowoc coujity. He was elected Town Clerk of Manitowoc iu the 
spring of 1857 and Register of Deeds for the County of Manitowoc in 
1858 and re-elected in 1800; was Trustee, Supervisor of Manitowoc 
for two years and Treasurer of the village of Manitowoc from April 1866 
to 18G7. He was elected County Treasurer of the County of ?>ranitowoc 



214 ]>IOGUAI'HY. 

in 18GG and re-elected ill 1S6S ;'also President of the village of Mani- 
towoc in 1H)7 and lb68. 

Ho was a delegate to the Ilejjublican Nat. Convention at Chicago 
ISOS and there supported the Nomination of Grant and Colfax for Presi- 
dent and Vice President. 

In the summer of 1S82 he entered the military service asCaptaiu in the 
2Gth Wisconsin llegiment, and was promoted Major of said Regiment iu 
March 1803. He was with his command in the battles of Chancellorville 
and Crettysburgh, in the latter of which he received a gunshot wound in 
the right Icic below the knee which disabled liim from further service, and 
he accordingly resigned. 

Was elected State Treasurer in 1809. The biography of Major Baetz 
is brief, but full of events. His address, appearance, and gentlemanly 
manners, wevo of themselves sufficient, in the lirst instance, to procure 
him a position in a remote and secluded village, and his conduct in the dis- 
charge of his official duties soon proved thnt he required no advantitious 
aid to secure lus re-election in even the largest and most enlightened 
town in which chance nsny place him. 



GEOKGE PFISTEll AND FEED VOGEJ., 

formerly comprising the firm Pfister & Co., are both natives of Germany, 
and after arriving in this country, first commenced business at Buffalo, 
State of New York, from which they removed to Milwaukee in 1847, 
where they engaged iu tlie leather business, and commenced, at the same 
time, to build a tannery on the Mcnoniouee River. Their success in ti-ade 
was so rapid as to oblige them to enlarge their ])uilding, from time to 
time, so as to afford sufficient accommodation for their increasing business. 

In 1865, they built a largo brick currj^ shop, 200 feet long, 40 feet 
wide, and three stories high. This building is finished in the most sub- 
stantial manner ; is heated by steam , and furnished with all tlie nec- 
essary machineiT and modern appliances required for currying and finish- 
ing leather of every description, such as calfskin, kip, and upper leather, 
to which sorts the firm pay particular attention. Tlie superior quality of 
these articles has been the means of extending and enlarging their trade, 
attracting new customers from every direction when the quality of their 
goods became known. 

In the addition to the above tannery, Messrs.Pfister and Vogel built 
another tannery in 1802 at Two Creeks, Manitowoc county, chiefly for 
tfce manufacture of sole leather, and having a capacity for tanning fronj 



BfOciUAriiv. 2l5 

50 to 55000 hides in a year. The above tiriii dcssolved partnership at 
the end of the year 186G, ^Ir. Vogel retiring by reason u.f ill health, and 
Mr. Pfister continuing to carry on the business alone, till 18G9, when Mr. 
Vogel again took charge of the Two Creeks tannery on his own account. 

The skill and straight forward conduct of Mr. Pfister as a man of 
business, have gained for liii)i a large independence - the reward of knowl- 
edge and integrity. 



JOHN A. BAKER 

was born in Stephenson County, Illinois, March 2.'jth, 1?^G!). He received 
an academic education and entei>ed Lavy'rence University in 1860, but 
abandoned it to go into the military service in 1861. He enlisted as a 
private soldier in Co. B. 1st Wis., Cavalry, in August 1S61, and served 
as such with liis regiment in Missouri until the spring of 1863, when he 
was appointed Corporal, and soon after Q. M. Sergeant, during which the 
regiment was eu£jas;edin fi^htins' Guerillas and Bushwhackers. In June 1863 
the regiment was sent to Tennessee and joined the army of the Cumberland 
in time to move out withRosencranz from Mumfreesboro, and took an active 
part in that campaign, being engaged in the battles of Chickamauga, 
Chattanooga and many others. During the fall that year the regiment 
was sent into East Tennessee, and saw much severe service during the 
winter iinder Burnside, Foster and Granger. He' was appointed Sergeant 
IMajor of his regiment in February 1864, and was with Sherman's army, 
(which the regiment joined about the 1st May 1864,) and participated in 
all the battles of the campaign which resulted in the capture of Atlanta, 
when the regiment was sent with Gen. Thouias back to Nashville to look 
after Hood : and althougli not ensfaeed in the last battle of Nashvillo,. 
the regiment was fighting a raiding party hi Kentucky the same days. 
He was appointed first Lieutenant of Co. I., April 13th 1864, and Capt. 
of Co. D., January 25th 1SG5, and was with his regiment all the time 
after enlisting until mustered out o[ the service, which was in March 1865, 
having served 3 years and seven months. 

After his return from the arm}^ he engaged in the lumber business on 
the Wisconsin Eiver for two year.<, daring which time he improved all 
the time he could spare in the study of law. At the end of this time he 
entered the office of J. D. Raymond at Plover, ]'ortageCo.,\\'is , where he 
remained during the summer, when he went to Albany, New York, for 
the purpose of attending the law schod; graduating in ]\[ay 1868, and 
was admitted to practice it all the Courts of that State. He tlion came 



21b IJioGrvAi'ii V. 

to Waupuii Fond du Lac Co., Wis., and began the practice of law, as- 
sociating himself witli II. E. Connit of that place, and their firm has the 
principal legal business in that section of the County. He is also Member 
of the Wis. State Legislature and is Chairman of the Committee on In- 
corporations ill the Assembly. 



J. B. SELBY', .lu.v., 

was born at Pultneyville, N. Y., October 2Gth, 18-1, and studied medicine 
at Willoughby College, Ohio, and graduated at the Now York City Uni- 
versity in xVpril lS-42. lie practiced his profession until 18G0 in the city 
of Milwaukee. On the breaking out of the war he M-as appointed by 
President Lincoln United States Pension Agent at Milwaukee, and con- 
tinued to discharge the duties of that officiC until he was removed by Presi- 
dent Johnson ia July, 18GG, since wliich time he has been engaged in the 
sale of agricultural implements, as a partner in the firm of L. J. Bush & 
Co. Pr. Selby has acted in several capacities since th.e biographer has 
been in 3Iilwaukee, and it is but doing common justice to him, to state, 
that in every position he has occupied, he was uniformly found strictly cor- 
rect, amply capable, truly obliging, and gentlemanly. 



^^^ a. >\'EBBEr 

wakborn in Batayia, State of New York, Jan. 20th, 1818; was educated 
in Batavia, and came to Milwaukee on the 11th day of April 1836. Oa 
his arrival at Milwaukee he opened a hotel, called the Washington House, 
made and put up the first billiard tal)lo in 183G; and<;ontinuesin the same 
business still. 

He kept a grocery for souio time, and built tlivi soeond frame 
building of any sizo in Milwaukee. He traded a good deal with the Ind- 
ians, and always made it his study to treat them with great kindness. He 
saw Milwaukee in its infancy, and as an old settler must have suffered his 
share of the hardships incident to a pioneer's life. Mr. Webber, by close 
attention to business, has accumulated a handsome competency in real es- 
tate. 



. FIIEDERICK WAllDNEll 

left Woodstock, Vermont, on the Gth day of October, 183G, and arrived 
atMilwaukee November 10th, 183G; was engaged in mercantile business 
for many years, and once occupied tlie positions of Alderman and City 



ihor.iiAi'UY. 217 

Comptroller. Mr. Wardner, as an old settler, must have enjoyed his share 
of the discomforts of a pioneer's life; he has seen Milwaukee in its infancy, 
discharged his duty as a citizen, with strict propriety, and now enjoys the 
fruits of honest industry. 



GEORGE BllEiMEK 

was horn July Ulst J 834, in Eauffshire, Scotland; iniigrated to Amerioa 
in 1845; lived in llacine County for seventqen years, and is »ow living in 
the village of Union Grove. He served three years apprenticeship in the 
employ of Mr. Thomas Graham of Donn, Racine County, carpenter and 
joiner, and has carri-^d on business on his own account, since the end of 
his apprenticeship in 1867. Among the buildings he erected are St. Ma- 
ry's church, at Donn, which gave good satisfaction; built a steam flouring 
mill at Union Grove for Jones and Robertson, which runs four runs of 
burr8; built 1st Universalist Church, at Rochester; and built a dwelling 
house for the Rev. James Jones of Union Grove, at §5000. The subject 
of this sketch received a common school education, attending only eight 
months in three successive winters and left when 14 years old. He always 
refused office of any kind, but was put up last fall by the people, as an 
ndependent candidate for Member of the Assembly, and was elected with- 
out opposition. Mr Bremer has the reputation of being an excellent 
mechanic, and may be relied on to perform what he promises, according to 
his contract. 



(lEORGE H. FOLDS 

was born in the city of Dublin, Ireland, in 1837; educated in the 6am« 
city; came to America in 1848; and is now doing business, as a partner, 
in the firm known as McKey Bros. & G. H. Folds. 

The bare mention o£-the names McKey Brothers, is sufficient to stamp 
a degree of respectability on any house of business with which they arc 
connected, known, as they are, to be among the most successnil merchants 
in the country. Their business, consisting of staple and fancy Dry Goods, 
French millinery, furs, carpets, oil cloth, &c., is conducted by George H. 
Folds, one of the partners, son of the late Georgo Folds, formerly'of Dub- 
lin, a first class printer and a respectable citizen, well known to the bio - 
o-rapher, as liaving printed four different scientific works written by him, 
amons which were a treatise on Mensuration, aud am^ther on Arithmetic, 



218 mOGKAI'UT. 

both for the use of the Irish national schools, the former l)aving a larger 
circulation than any -work on the same subject extant. As an appology 
for authors who are often censured •without sufficient cause, the 
author takes leave to mention an incident proving the fact, which liowcver 
is, by no means, connected with the subject of the sketch. The London 
Quarterly Review was in the habit of receiving the works written for the 
use of the Irish national schools, and the editor, after having given his 
opinion of some book written by the biographer, begins to review the 
arithmetic, by saying: "Though this work is one of the best of the class 
to which it belongs, jet we have great reason to disapprove of the conduct 
of the author, as it seems to be taken, verbatum, without any acknowl- 
edgement, from a work entitled Gregory's Philosophy and Practice of 
arithmetic, infinitely thebestwork on the subject in the English language." 
The editor of tlie Quarterly was not aware tliat the author of Gregory's 
philosopliies of arithmetic was also the writer of the arithmetic fortheuse 
of the Irish national schools, no name being subscribed to tlie books writ- 
ten for the use of the schools. 



GEORGE GREGORY, 

I 

the late GeorgeGrcgory, Civil Engineer was born in the town of ^Yc5ford, 
Ireland, November 1828 and died suddenly at Rrownsville. jMinncsota in 
November 1SG2. 

It is a duty the writer owes to the memory of that gentleman, to 
state that he possessed rare qualities of head and heart, which never failed 
to make him many friends, and but few enemies. Though his life was- 
short, having been only thirty-eigbt years of age at his death, he has left 
many lasting memorials of his professional skill. Fev/ young men of his 
day had equal opportunities of acquiring a knowledge of those brancbcs- 
of science, literature, and art, so essentially necessary to the attainment 
of eminence in the engineering profession as the subject of this sketch. He 
was educated in one of the best schools in Ireland, and was always assisted 
in liis studies by some of the highest talent which Trinity College, Dub- 
lin, could afford, or afRuence could command. AtAthe age of fourteen he 

had gone through the course of matlicmatical science, was a good classical 
scholar, and understood some of the modern languages, then most in use» 
Shortly after this ho commenced the practice of engineering under his 
father, John Gregory, Esq., which considerably checked further progress in 
theoretical knowledge. The first effort of his professional genius was 
dLsplayod in a trigonometrical survey and disminished map of Lough 



r.iOGHAriiY. 21& 

Neagh, in Ireland, with such portions of its five surrounding counties as 
the laws uf England required, preparatory to its drainage. This map, 
and all the plans and sections connected with the drainage, then considered- 
the most gigantic engineering undertaken iu Europe, of which his father 
was Engineer-in-Chief, raised the reputation of young Gregory in his pro- 
fession, to which he added fresh laurels by his trigonometrical survey and 
map of tlie Phoenix (Queen's) Park, near Dublin, under his father's di- 
rections. At an early age he headed a party of surveyers, employed by 
liis father to make survey of part of the county of Gornwell, in England, 
according to the conditions of a contract previously entered into the proper 
department. In this capacity he acc|uitted himself creditably, consider- 
ing the accuracy required in that department of the public service. Shortly 
after this, he engaged, as assistant, with Sir John ?Iacneal, a gentleman 
of European celebrit}^ aud while with him, assisted in the survey and con- 
struction of several railroads, bridges, viaducts, &c. Previously to this 
engagement he completed a map and survey of the site of the present 
Holyhead Harbor, and of that portion of tlie St. George's channel extend- 
ing from thence to Kingston Harbor, near Dublin. This map accom- 
panied the report of John Gregory to the Chancellor of the Exchequer of 
the day, urging the eligibility of the present site. In this connection it 
is but justice to state that George Gregory was partly guided by the ad- 
vice and suggestions of his sister's husbatd, Capt. Jenkins of the -Koyal; 
Navy, then commanding a steamer that carried tlie mad on that route for 
(he Post Office Department. Captain Jenkins is well known to the Mari- 
time World from his connection with the "Chart aud Survey of payt of 
the South American Coast, by Lord De Koso and Jenkins. " 

The part taken by young Gregory iu tliese aud other minor public 
works maybe seen in his father's published works on Trigonom.etrical Sur- 
veying and Engineering. His reputation for expertness and accuracy in 
the field, and general knowledge of oflico business obtaincdfor him the pro- 
fessorship of practical engineering in the "College of the Civil Engineering, 
]\tining, and Agriculture in Ireland," of which his father was then Presi* 
dent. In compliance with an application to the Governmeiit liy Mi* 
Gregory, sr., George was appointed Government Engineer, and was forth- 
with directed to take charge of one of the districts into which Ireland had 
been divided, pursuant to an act of Parliament, passed for the general 
drainage of tlie country. The next duty assigned to him by tlie Commi.s- 
sioners of Public Works was the construction of Harbors of Ptcfuge on the 
Coast of Galway, where he lost his wife — a }0ung lady of high accom- 
plishments, and connected with some of the first families in the country^ 



'J.20 UIUIiKAl'lIY. 

including )i;any ui the nobility, with whom he received u gooil fortune. 
This bereavetneiit, hightencd by the death of his mother and two sist- 
.crs, which took place soon after, and to whom he was ardently at- 
tached, pressed so heavily on his mind that he was induced to resign 
his appointment and join his father in Milwaukee, where, and after- 
wards at LaCrosso.he got the appoiu-tment of city surveyor. He was em" 
ployed on the La Crosse llailfoad for a short time, and constructed a 
mammoth sectional map of Vvisconsin for his father for publication, 
which was a master-piece of artistic talent. This map was printed, but 
has never bec?i offered for sale in consequence of a difficulty between 
Mr. G-rogory, sr., and tlio ]lublisher^;. 

The electors of the congressional district in which he lived proposed 

10 send him to Congress, free of expense, but before accepting of tho 

; honor intended to bo conferred on him by his friends, he sounded lii-s 

father with a view to ascertain how tho old gentleman felt disposed to 

■supply means to meet the expenses incident to Washington life, and his 
father, knowing his estravagant habits, advised him by all means to mind 
his profession, and keep clear of politics. 

George Gregory was twice elected County Surveyor of Houston Couu- 
■ty, Minnesota, where he died, much regretted by those who enjoyed his 
acquaintance. Ue was naturally extravagant. His social habits, kindly 
disposition, mild and unassuming manner, and gentlemanly bearing made 
liim a universal favorite in every societ}^ in which be mixed. If he had 
faults, and few are exempt, tliey only affected himself. 



THE NEW STOCK YAllDS. 

A mucli needed improvement has been made during the pa.st year 
by the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, in constructing new and 
complete stockyards at a point accessible to all the railroads entering the 
city. The new yards are located upon the south side of the Menomonee 
fiats, about one mile west of tlie Union Depot, at a point where all the 
railroads entering the city from the west unite. \ The facilities for receiv- 
ing, shipping and yarding stock here are very good, and will bo increased 
from time to time to any extent required, as the railroad company own a 
large tract of laud adjoining the present yards. Already it is found that 
more room is wanted, and important extentions of the pens will be made 
in coming spring. The present area covered by that portion of the yards 
4hat is comj)lcted is between four and five acres. Tho pens (completed 



Industkial IvEsouKCfis ov AViscox.siN. :221" 

aad underway) will hold two tliousand head of cattle or about twenty 
thousand hogs. Fourteen cars can he unloaded or loaded at the same 
time. At the old yards hut one car at a time could unload. Two wide 
passages or streets extend the whole length of the yaids, nitersected by 
shorter avenues, dividing the pens into sections which are designated as 
"Section A," "Section B," and so on. The pens, of which 62 are now 
in use, are numbered in regular order, and jthe number of each CQnspicu- 
ously inscribed upon its entrance. The arrangements for weighing, wat- 
ering and feeding stock are very complete. The yards are supplied with 
an abundance of pure water from a large reservoir on an adjacent eminence 
which is fed from the Menomoneo River, by means of a pump worked by 
a windmill. 

One of the canals in process of being dugout through the 3Ienomoaee- 
bottoui reaches these yards, so that stock can be shipped cither by rail or 
by water with equal convenience. The company are constructing a broad 
planked avenue parallel with the line of the railroad track leading from the 
yards to the slaughter houses, about half a mile distant. These yards, so> 
perfect in all their arrangements, have been constructed with great econ- 
omy, the whole expense of the Vv'ork thus far done amountinsr to only 
^28,000. 

By an arrangement between the railway comj)anies, Jive stock may 
now be shipped from any point on the Chicago and Northwestern Rail- 
way to this market, and if not sold here may be re-shipped to Chicago with- 
out any additional expense. Parties shipping live stock frosn any points 
west or north of this city to Chicago have the privilege of unloading,, 
feeding and resting here with no additional expense except ft-r fodder con- 
siimed. 

This liberal and judicious arrangement on the part of the Milwaukee 
and St. Paul Railway Company will not only prove a great eonvenienee to 
shippers of live stock, but also a decided advantage to the packers and 
stock dealers of this city. 

Mr. E- W. Edgerton, Superintendent of the New Stock Yards, 
reports receipts from the date the 3-ards were opened, October 26th, to 
the 31st of December, of 4,125 head of cattle, 47,981 hogs, and 1,677 
sheep. 



FOUR AND aRAIN. 

The following statement showing the total Movement of Flour and 
Grain at Milwaukee, in 1869, is taken from tne 12th Annual Statement 
of the trade and commerce of Milwaiikee, for the year ending December 
31. 1869, as reported by Wm. G. Longson Esq., Secretary of the Cham- 
ber of Commerce : 



•OOO ' InDU.-STUIAL llK.SOritCKrt 

IIECEIPTS. 

SouncKs OF Suri'LY. 

P. du C. Div. Mil. & St. P. R'y. Flour bbls. 150,(595. Wheat 
'busli. 7,533,414. Oats busli. 409,410. Corn busli .38,356. Eye busli. 
60,072. Barley bush. G0,057. 

La C. Div. Mil. &c St. P. ll'y. Flour bbls. 422,710. Wheat bush. 
6,635,C0S. Oats bush. 22,911. Com bush. 3,972. Rye bush 41,220. 
Barley bush. 98,575. 

Northern Div. Mil. & St. P. ll'y. Flour bis. 135,218. Wheat 

^ush. 1,995,061. Oats bush. 3,132. Corn bush Eye bush. 38,- 

■064. Barley basii. 29,793. 

Western Union E. 11. Mil. Div. C & N. W. Ey. Flour bbls. 12,- 
211. Wheat bush. 562,651. Oats bush. 287.246. Corn busb. 377,- 
156. Eye bush. .59,420. Barley bush. 33,527. 

By Lake, Flour bbls. 16.148. Wheat bush. 483,80a. Oats bush. 
-250. Corn bush. 68,071. Eye bush. 5,028. Barley bush. 30,547. 

By Teams, Flour bbls. 70,781. Wheat bush. 534,094. 

Total Eeceipt.s. Flour bbls. 807,763. Wheat bush. .17,745,238. 
Oats bush. 722,949. Corn bush. 487,564. Eye bush. 203,804 Bar- 
ley bush. 247,499. 

In Store, Jan. 1st, 1S69. Flour bbls. 27,702. Wheat bush. 617,- 
761. Oats bush. 65,056. Corn bush. 5.668. Eyu bush. 16,656. 
Barley bush. 1,698. 

Flour ground in City. Flour bbls. 481,611. 

Flour bbls. Total 1,316,976. Wheat bush. Total 18,362,999. Oata 
bush. Total 788,005. Corn bush. Total 493,232. Eyo bush. Total 220,- 
460. Barley bush. Total 2 49,197 



SHIPMENTS. 

DlREOTIOXS OF SlIIPMKNTS. 

By C. & N. W. E'y. Flour bbls. 340,493. Wheat bush. 312,515. 
Oats, bush. 10,490. Corn 1)ush. 2,106. Rye bush. 97,055. Barley 
bush. 72,761. 

ByD. & Mil. E'y. Flour, bbls. 188,864. Wheat, busli. 19,536. 
Oats bush. 29,350. Corn bu.sh. 42,579. Eye bush. 875. ' Barley bush. 
1,514. 



OF Wisconsin. 22S 

ToBufialo, by Lake. Flour bbls 459,353. Wheat bush. 7,595.- 
935. Oats bush. 209,507. Corn bush. 1,837. Eye hush. 22,277. 
Barley hush. 500. 

To Oswego by Lake. Wheat bush. 3, i37,77C. 

To Ogdenshurg, by Lake. Flour bbls. 69,922. Wheat hnsli. 524,- 
532. Oats l)ush. 29,600. Coru bush. 5.025. 

To Port Huron, by Lake Flour bbls. 77,559. Wheat bush. 6,500. 
Oats bush. 6,670 

To Kingston, by Lake. Wheat bash. 1,640,312, 

To St. Catharmcs, by Lake. Wheat bush. 431,387. 

To Montreal, by Lake. Flour bbls. 4,813. Wheat bush. 80,400. 

To Erie, by Lake. Flour bbls. 28,580. Wheat bush. 130,690. 

To Cleveland, by Lake. Wheat bush. 76,748. 

T'o Cape Vincent, by Lake. Wheat bush. 197, 9S7. 

To Dunkirk, by Lake. Wheat bush. 27,000. 

To Toledo, by Lake. Wheat bush. 13,000. 

To Thorold, by Lake. Wheat bush. 53,310. 

To Saginaw, by Luke. Flour bbls. 1,168. 

To Lake Superior Ports. Flour bbls, 4,634. Oats bush. 23.665. 
Corn bush. 15,335. Barley bush. 1,190. 

. To East Shore L. Michigan. Flour bbls. 16,428. Oats bush 46,- 
1.52. Corn bush. 17,053. Barley bush. 75. 

To W^cst Shore L. Michigan. Flour bbls. 1,211. Oats bush. 6,384. 
Corn bush. 9,871. Barley bush. 570. 

To Chicago, by Lake. Flour bbls. 27,033. Wheat bush. 25.171. 
Piye bush. 455. Barley bush. 1,425. 

Total Shipments. Flour bbls. 1,220,058. Wheat bush 14,272,799. 
Oats bush. 351,768. Corn bush. 93,806. Eye bush. 120,662. Barley 
bush. 78,035. 

Li Store at close of year. Flour bbls. 14,630. Wheat bush. 1,682,- 
645. Oats bush. 24,010. Corn bush. 4,527. Eye bush. 10,790. 
Barley bush. 21,850. 

Local Trade and Milling. Flour bbls. 82,288. Wheat bush. 2,407,- 
555. Oatsbush. 411,727. " Corn bush. 394,899. Eye bush. 83,008. 
Barley bush. 149,312. 

Flour bbls. Total 1,316,976. Wheat bush. Total 18,362,999. Gate 
bush. Total 788,005, Corn bush. Total 493,232. Eye hmh. Total 
220,460. Barley bush. Total 249,197. 



224 Industkiai, Kksources 

FLOUR. 

Tlie amount of fiour handled in this city inl8G9was considerably 
larger than at any former year, while the arliclo itself proved less rcnum- 
erativc than usual to Loth millers and dealers. 

STATEMKNNT 

Of the total Movement of Flour in 18G9V 

Received by llailroad barrels 720,884 

'• Lake " 16,l4S 

" Teams '• 70,781 

Total receipts, " 807,763 

Manufactured in the city " . . . ; 481,511 

In store at beginning of year, " 27, 702 

1,31G,97G 



Shipped, barrels, ] ,220.058 

In store at close of the year " 14,G30 

Unaccounted for, local trade •' 82,288 

1.316,1)70 



The flour leceived by teams came from the following point.«: 

Ccdarburir, barrels 26,417 

Thienville. " 24,000 

Newbur.^, " 11,000 

Grafton," " 4,261 

East Troy, " 1,700 

Wauwatosa, " 1,200 

Waterford, " 90a 

Other places " 1,300 

Totall869 " 70,781 

«' 1868 " 50,636 

" 1867 " 25,021 



WHEAT. 



The receipts of wheat at Milwaukee iu 1869, were tlie largest in the 
history of the city, amounting to 17,745,237 bushels, against 12,761,648 
ia 1868, an increase of 4,983,589 bushels. These figures, it should be 
Tinderstood, do not include flour The shipments amounted to 14,272,790 
bushels, against 9,878,099 bushels in the previous year, an increase of 
4,894,700 bushels. The following statement will show, at a glance, the 
otal movement of this great cereal at Milwaukee for the year : 



Industuial Resources 



o'2r-i 



STATEMENT 

Showing tJie Total Moceinent of WhcaUit Milwaukee in 1869: 

Receints bv Railroad, Ikishcis 10,727,334 

i\ ."I T 1- " ~ 483 80<) 

'• -'Teams " 534,094 

Total receipts •' ; ^"'I^^??'' 

In store at becriiiuin<? of the year, Bushels 017,761 

18,362,999 

Shipped by Lako, IJashels 13,040,748 

•' '-Railroad •' 332,051 

Total shipments. " 14,272,799 

Ground by City mills, " 2,407,555 

In store at the close of lihe year, Bushels 1,682,645 

-iS,362,999 

Of the receipts during the past year 8,054,902 bushels belonged to 
thtj- crop of 1868, and 9,obo,336 bushels to that of 1869, that is far the 
year ending August 31, 1869, were 10,750,596 bushels, of which 722,500 
bushels were brought in by teams. The following table will show (ap- 
proximately) the movement of the last eleven crops, being a statement 
of the receipts at this city from one harvest to another, exclusive of the 
deliveries by teams : 

CROP MOVEMENT. 



Rec'b Sept. 1 to Dec. 31. i Kec'd Jan. 1 to Aug. 31. I Total Receipts from 



1858, bushels. 

1859, " 
1860, 
1861, 
1862, 
1863, " 
1864, 
1865, '• 
1866, 

1867, •• 

1868, '■ 

1869, '• 



...1,621,801 1859, buBhek 

..3,794,819 1860, 
, ..&.841.70211861, " 
, ..7,816.34lllS62, " 
, ..6,192,845J1863, 

..7,061,880 1864, '' 

..2.049,048 1865, 

. .6;927,520jl866, 

..6,340,055 1867, 

..8,780,435!l868, •' 

..7,629,714 1869, 

..8,811,561! 



.1,185,867'Orop 
.2,443,010 
.6,394,111 
8,471,114 
.6,109.877 
.7,036.810 
.4,424,777 
.6,258,946 
.2,846,765 
.4,380,718 
.8,398,582 



of 1858,. 

' 1859,. 

' 1860,. 

' 1861,. 

' 1862.. 

' 1863^. 

' 1864, 

' 1865,. 

' 1866,. 

' 1857,. 

' 1868,. 



. . 2,807,668 
, . . 6.242,825 
. 12;735,813 
. 16,287,465 
. 12,303,822 
. 14,098.694 
. 6,473,785 
. 13,181,456 
. 9,086,819 
. 13 161,153 
16,028,-296 



In addition to the above receipts from the crop of 1868, 722,500 
bushels were brought in by teams, viz, : 406,200 bushels between Sept. 
1. and Dec. 31. 1808, and 256,320 bushels between Jan. 1. and Aug. 31. 
1869. The receipts of flour ly ^^cfms during the same period were equival- 
ent to 321,780 bushels wheat, if we add these amounts to the receipts by 
railroad and Lake, and include the total receipts oijlour reduced to bush- 
els, we shall have a grand total of 21,091,861 bushels of wheat received at 
Milwaukee from tho crop of 1868. ExclusiTO of deliveries by teams, the 
receipts of wheat and flour from eleven crops arc equivalent to the folio 



22G 



OF WISCONSIN. 



From Crop of 1862, bushels. 
'■ '• 1861, " . 
" " I860, '• . 
" " 1869, •' 

" " 1858, •• . 



14,37i'5.982 

19,124,145 

14,927,448 

2,623,220 

8,568,593 



ing amounts in bushels: 

From Crop of 1868, bushels. . 20,050,581 

'■ ■■ 1867, ' .. 15,796,968 

• •' 1SC6. " .. 11,197,591 

■ IPC.-., •' .. 15,391,915 

■ ISiil, '■ .. 7,821,770 

" " '• 18S3, •' . . 16,0.''6,765 

It will be seen that we have already, up to December 81. received 
from the last crop 8,811,461 bushels in the corresponding period of 1868. 
As to the extent of the crop, the reports to the Department of Agricult- 
ure show a slight increase of yield in Wisconsin and Iowa, and 8.75 bush, 
per acre in Minnesota. 

OATS. 

The roccipts of oats at thi^ market in 18C9 were light, amounting to 
only 722,940 bushels, a decrease of 271,799 bushels compared with the 
preceding year. Of the amount received, together with the stock on hand 
at the beginning of the year, 411,727 bushels were absorbed by the local 
trade of the city, 247,267 bushels were shipped to eastern markets, 75,502 
bushels to Michigan, and 28,999 bushels to lumber and mining districts 
on the west shore of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, 24,510 bushels 
remaininiy in store at the close of the year. 

It has lieen the general impression that the last crop of oats yielded 
a large product, but it seems tliat the prices prevailing have not been suf- 
ficiently remunerative to induce farmers to sell freely. The deliveries at 
Chicago fall below the receipts of 1S68 about five and a half million imsh- 
els. As the renort.-i of the Agricultural Department indicate an increase 
in yield of 25 por cent, in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and 10 per cent in 
Illinois and Iowa, compared with the previous crop, it follows that th«re 
must be a large surplus still to come forward. 

STATEMENT. 

Shourini/ the Movement of Oats at Milwaukee in 1869. 

RECEIPTS. 



XTAVTTTS I'.PUO.DlY. 

MONTH?. ^.i.'t.P.Ky. 


I.. C. iiiv. 
M.&:5t.r.Ky. 


M.A.,St.l'.ily. 


W. U.-510X * 
C.*N.W.Ky. 


'^--- 1 "r?s^ 


1 


19 (MO 
19 240 
26 U<) 
28 2ifl 
97 114 
.".0 206 
32 ."^lo 

14 048 
53 0!)7 
3'.) 0S9 
10 753 

15 So-j 


640 
1 .5->7 

.-585 

1 •:bo 
:> iG.s 

70 
12 2H 

evo 

■(iO 

.=.12 

2^ 


1 019 

1 0.'12 
1 OS I 


IT .032 
Vi 47.") 
8 185 
4 2fi0 
19 880 
7f>4 




3S 131 
40 313 

32 Hi 
117 740 
5i 1%-, 


February 

Maj-oh 








MKy 













19 490 




40 07.) 


August 

September 




in 94' 

r.3 i-i6 
.">; 4f)fi 

45 ZSfy 
27 2.-a 


V50 


43 4Q2 


.:::;;■::::: 


107 833 




02 n.).'i 


XovemUer 






fte 601 






4(j 180 










Totals 


40a 410 


■^■1 9)1 


3 l.<52 


287 240 1 2.i0 i 722 949 


In store at the 
beginning of 


i 


0.=) O.Vi 
788 0.1? 















Industuial Eesouhces 



007 



RECEIPTS AND SHIPMENTS OF BEANS IN 18G0. 
There were 9,923 Bushels of Beans received at Milwaukee in 1869 
It}' Ptailroad and 9,023 Bushels shipped. 

PEAS. 
There were 2(3,945 Bushels shipped from Milwaukee in 1869 against 
16,136 Bushels in the privious year. The supply was chiefly from the 
reo-ions north of the City, along the west ehorc, the receipts from 
this source amounting to 24,438. 

POTATOES. 
19,226 Bushels of Petatoes vrere received at Milwaukee in 1S69 and 
8,154 Bushels shipped. 

CRANBERRIES. 
Received at Milwaukee in 1SG9 7.763 Bushels, and shipped 4.4G4 
Bushels. 



WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 
TABLE 

Of WnighU and Jlewures as Estahlished hy Law in Wisconsin and 

Illinois. 



Vv'heat. per bushel .... 60 lbs. 

Corn, Shelled, ^^ ....56 ^^ 

Corn, in ear, ^^ .... 70 ^^ 
Oats, 32 

%^' .. ••••5S ,, 

Barley, ^^ ... .48 ^^ 

White Beans, \^ 60 ^^ 

Castor ^^ ,^ ....46 ^^ 

Timothy Seed, ^^ . "^'^ ^^ 

Clover Seed, ^^ ....GO ^^ 

Flax ,^ ,, ... 50,^ 

Hungary G-rass Seed, ^^ ....48 ^^ 

Potatoes, .... 60 

' it. a 

Sweet Potatoes, ^^ ... .55 

Buckwheat, ^, . 42 

Dried Apples, ^^ ... .28 ^ 



Dried Peaches, per bushel...,. 28 lbs 

Turnips, 

Onions, 

Top Onions, 

Peas, 

Corn Meal, 

Bran, 

Malt, ;; 

Charcoal, 
Coke, 

Coarse Salt, 
Fine, 



..55 
...57 
...28 
...60 
.. .48 
...'JO 
... 34 
...22 
...40 
...50 
...55 



Beefand Pork per bbl. net,... 200 
Flour, ^^ ^^ ...196 

Y/hitefisb, ...200 



- WEIGHTS AND MEASURES- 

In England, Scotland, and Ireland, the diversity of Weights and 
Measures in different parts of the same country, is the cause of great ^in- 
convenienoe and trouble. In one town or small district in Ireland, a peck 
of potatoes may be 21 pounds, in the next town or distriot, the weight of 
a peck of potatoes may be quite different. In other kinds of provisions 
the same diversity exists. A uniformity of weights ^'lnd measures ougbt 
to be adopted in every country. 



22^ ■ OF Wi.<t;o.\;5iN. 

The Deciauil system uf notation should bu ailo|)ted all over the World, 
in the suhdivision of Coics. AVeights, and Measures, which Vould shorten 
and deminish tho labor of calculations of every kind. This subject is dis- 
cussed, at considerable length in Gregory's Philosophy and practice of 

Aritlunetie. 



HOPS. 
The receipts of Hops at this city in 1869 amounted to 41,025 bales 
against 3(),6'27 bales the previous year. About five-sixths of these hops 
were the product of the great hop-growing region on tho La ^Crosse Divi- 
sion of the Milwaukee & St Paul Hallway, of which Kilbourn City is the 
principal shipping station. A large proportion of the receipts consisted 
of old Hops hold over from the first crop of 1868, and finally sold in the 
majority of cases at a range of 3 to 5 cents a pound. A material improv- 
ment took place in July and August, and at times during these two mouths 
prime Hops sold freely in this market at 7al0 cents, and in some instances 
at 12 cents per pound. 

Notwithstanding the severe check whieh hop-growing received in 1868, 
it proved that growers were not totally discouraged by one unprofitable 
season, and tliat while they devoted much less time and expense to their 
yards than was customary when the product was bringing lucrative prices, 
a fair yield was secured from the crop of 1869. As soon as the now crop 
began to move, old Hops receded to the prices, ruling during the spring 
months, and the market opened for new Hops at 12 a 15 cents. There 
wore large sales in September at this range, old Hops at the same time 
selling at U^ a 5 cents. In October new Hops sold at 10 a 12^- and old at 
3 a 5 cents. During the last two months of the year quite an active spec- 
ulative trade was carried on, and prime new Hops rose to 19 a 20 cents. 
Old Hops, however, wero diflficult to dispose of at anything alove 5 eents 
per pound. 

The receipts of Hops at this city for the year ending August 31, 
1869 were 57,932 bales, and at that time there was still a large (quantity 
of tlie old erop left over in the hands of growers. From September 1st, 
to the close of the year, the receipts reached a total of 20,344 bales, (against 
37,481 bales corresponding time 1868) out a good part of these being 
composed of old Hops, it is impossible to draw a line between the movement 
of the two crops. It is known, however, that the 57,932 bales received 
up to September 1st, were all from the crop of 1868. 



BTTTTER. 

Tho effect of the remunerative prices which butter has commanded 
for several years past, begins to manifest itself in a largely increased pro- 



IxDUSTKiAi. Resource-^ 229 

duction ill this and adjoiiiiug staty.-^. 'J'lie receipts. ;it Chicago hist year 
would probably illustrate this more fully than those at Milwaukee, but we 
do not find any statistics of this Butter trade in the reports of the commerce 
of that city for the lust year. 

Seeds received at 31ilwaukcc in 1SG9, Timothy Seeds 15C,1'51 pounds, 
Clover 50,500 pounds, and Flax 2,259 pounds. 
' CPtANBERElES-. 
The Cranberry crop of 18(39 proved an abundant one, and we have 
consequently to note a very large increase in the trade iu wild cranberries. 
The receipts at this city during the yoar, principally in the fall months, 
amounted to 7,7G7 barrels, against 1,257 barrels in 1868, an increase of 
9,505 barrttls. The shipments amounted to 4,464 barrels. There was a 
heavy decline in j)rices, the new crop selling at ^6,00 a ^9, CO per barrel, 
against a rangu of $10,00 a ^18,00 the previous season. 

GRAIN ELEVATOR AND STORAGE. 
Total capacity of Grain elevators iu Milwaukee 4,000,000 Bushels. 
Raising capacity, per day, of grain elevators iri Milwaukee 404,000 
bushels ; and shipping capacity, per day, 900,000. 

WOOL. , 

Wool received at Milwaukee in 1869, 2,501,006 pounds, and shipped 
outwards 2,501,066 pounds. 

Receipts of Beff Cattle and Lire IIo(js in Mlli':auhce in 1SG9; 
Receipts of Beef Cattle in 1869 wore 12,521 and Live Hogs 58,209 

LUMBER. 
Lumber recoivcd at Milwaukee in ISOO was 72.o82,500 feet. 
Sliingles 25,927,600, and Laths, 9,985,00. 

SALT. 
Salt received at Milwaukee in 1809 amounted \o 179,673 bfirre's. 

^VIIISKEY. 
Ac3ording to the returns of the Collector of internal revenue, there 
were 17,263 barrels of high wines nianufactured in this City during the 
year 1?«09. ^ 

COAL. 
The receipts of Pcnn"sylvania and Ohio Coal at Milwaukee in 1869 
amounted to S7,690 tons. 

RAIL ROAD IRON. 
During the year 1869, the receipts of American and foreign Rail 

Road iron at the port of ]»lilwaukee, amounted to 64,601 tons, and 90,- 

** . . . 

000 tons additional were manufactured by the rolling mill here, making a 

irrand total of 134.601 tons. 



UVK STOCK 

- N ; ■ , ' ■ ■ ■ .■ 

*' ' ' ' ' ' ' .M^ *vf ^^' ■ ' V V. na 

This Mrti«ld fyr\^$<i\$ tv> W>x»^ \n>« t>f th* s^t^^j^* (vnx)u<«t)C«» <vf ow 
!4t;*r»» *»d ia n«xr i>f ihc" Y*1«*W<!!' qn^tl)«^ whi*h Wis^sMxsin ows aw 

maj' b* <Nim««)v Mw« t4>*u h*tf th« j% xNoft I'^Hftem^l s^t t)\w oitj i« 19^^ 

Thie^ iit*l )i'*wij>t* v\f |pi§ m>w Wn> ^bimst ♦)»«» \>N*r w\^»t? 12,1?^^ tv^n*. <»«' 
AYisssSvM.., ., , .,. , .;.„..,, ....>..,.. ;x>«?i 

:i.9CU 






v^lrt^^ • ••■:■-,.-.. , ■ -• ■ ^-v» 



Inihi.^tiiiai, Ukmoijikjum tiBl 

lly ifl'rvy'iwy^ to llm l)i«)//;rii,|iliy nt' ('•imryti Allmi of Uiin <ul y, ;ui(l lli;il. 
•.iT <J iiiiln iMiiiLdP, il. will III' ,".i'cii tlnit, Uichi: /tiiLIi^iiH'ii 'Id aliir/'fr tiiiH-iiiil, 
of fiUHiiM'MH ill tlidir rvH|)''('l.iv<' ilrjiiirtiiHUil.n Uiim ;iiiy i>ii(». ('ii;.'u/.'cil in llii'. 
liiiiUinr Irriiln in UiIh iioiiiiLry nr in ICiirojii'. 

'I'lin r('cci|il,n III' liiili'ii ;it. tlTiM <'i(,y ill |Mil) ;iiii<.imri;il to lOV. 1-15, <»i' 
wliicli 'J I ..'»()() wurt! Hlii|i|)i'<l riiKtwiinl, 115, (i.M to tli<j t;iiiM(tric« .'il()ii|.^ tlio 
\vi'«tt ulioro ol' (111! Iiiki', leaving 08.1)(i(l wliiuli worn tiiktui by our taniKirw. 

<iiiito a liif/,'!) liuHincu.M in carniid on Ihth aJHn in iJic. rnannfartiirr- from 
.■iliiii'|) iHtllH of liniii;/;^, binilin;/;^, unii otiior light ii()Hi!ri|itionH ol'lisitliitr umimI 
oxUiiHivisly in various lirancliDH of iiiamiCactiirii, Tlio iiijiulior of poltH i'«- 
(',<'.\yii\ (lnrin;;; tlw yoar (!X<;)iiHiv»! of UiljiplicH IVoiii local HoiircfM WfiH (52.000, 

TAN l{AI{,K, 

Larp;(i (|iKi,iitJlii!M of t;i,u lnu'li aro u/sod liy tin! taiiiifirn of thin '^ity, 
Tlia amoiiiil rocoivod JuHt ynur whh ftArdl't (!or'ln. Tlio fiupjily i,< ofitaincii 
IVoin variouM poititM alori^ tlits Hlmrc oftlu! lakit iioitli of tlio city, 
IKXJS AND I'OliK i'A(!KlN<;. 

'I'Ik! nnnilifr ofllogw rooeiyi'il nt tliiHr;i<,y during tho HCfiHon junt(doH«d. 
\Ta,s 170.11 11 iigainMt l!M,r)02 tlio prdvioiw Hcation, an inoroaHu of 4>l.Hi{0 
llog.'i. 01' tin- r'ff'inptH, lY-.O^O wnvo. packi-d In-ri- and <).7I T) aliippcd 
oa.stwai'd. 

HKKK I'A(:kin(;. 

Ucdf jiarlciid at Milwankoii in \WJ ainountod to .'iKCy cattle. 

I-AKM KlHIf. 

l*'i,Hli iiiHp(!('ti:(l Croiii January Int to Octolicr Irl \W.i : 

WliitH liHJi hair h;irndri r),2l2, Tiont half ImutoIh 1,550, Whito CihIi 
atid Trout, half liarrtdrt 141, Ilorrini; half liarrclM 75, SiMkiwit iirid IMck- 
crnriialf liarrols ''^\ inakiii/!; a total of 7,04!) half 1);ut<;!h. 

InHp(!(!fccd from Octohitr Int to Documlior .'Jlnt 5,000 inakin;/ the total 
niiinhiT of half liiirri'lH iiiMpcidcd in I 800, 12,010. 

(iKNKIIAI. MKJtClIANDlHi';. 

TIh! a'ituul aiiioiint of general. <taHfc(',rii and for«i//)i iiinrohandiso ro- 
.!t.'iv<;d at tluH city liy Iiiko a,uil railroad in 1 HOO wa?) larger than in uiiy 
forinor your. Tho total li^MjrcH worn 111,250 toiiH, of wiiic-h 02,74H tons 
wcro lirouj^ht ho'c liy lakt! KtoamorH, and 4H,50S touH hy railnmd, inulud- 
iiig till) <<rand Ifavon fJiio. TIioh(! llgurf^H aro cxolunivo of *i;ilt, pi;? iron 
railroad iran and othor oo.irfio froi^dit. 

KXI'OIITS OF HIOKK AND I'OltK IN IKOO 
amounted to 107,515 Marndu of I'ork and 10,515 liarrolfl of liool. 

Tho author in indolitud to the r,|,li,.Mii;r, talontod, and /^'untlomanly 
iiocrotary of tho ("hainbor of (loinmcroo, Win. .J. Languon, V,^^\r. for most 
of the StatifsticM rolatin^r to lli" d-id" and '■'itnniorci' nf Miiw(inl:<'c in tho 
year lH(4». 



232 OK Wisconsin. 

ENGELMANN TllAxNSPORTATION COMPANY. 

Facilities of Transportation by land and water rank among tlie first 
and most "important oiemeuts of commercial prosperity and national great- 
ness." "Without roads, the farmer could not disposeof the spare product of 
his farm; the manufacturer and tha merchant could not supply their 
customers ^vith articles of necessity, and in short, man with all his intell- 
ect, could occupy no higher social position, or enjoy the comforts of life in 
no higher degree than the roving and untutored savage of the wilderness. 
We arc therefore, bound to consider those who open up the highways of 
communication of distant points as our best benefactors. Tiiis is fully 
illustrated by the biography of some of our early pioneer settlers, published 
in this work. By tho enterprising spirit of two of our mosi distinguished 
citizens, we shall soon be able to compete with, and surpass, any state 
in the Union, as regards facilities of internal and external intercourse. 
Our most distinguished public benefactor, Hen. Alexander Mitchell, is 
president of a company now owning 1214 miles of railway, extending west- 
ward from the city of Milwaukee, which entitles him to tlie rank of the Rail 
Road King of the North West. 

New Transportation facilities are aft'arded by Engelmann's Line of 
Steamers to every point to the same extent as naw traversed by the Chicago 
Line of Steamers. 

Our most distinguished fellow citizen, Nathan Engelmann, Esq. has 
organized a transportation company, which has contributed, in no small 
degree, to the eomniercial facilities of our city, in affording regular and 
I'eliable communication between this port and those on the east shore of 
Lake Michigan. This line has been rendered more efficient by the" recent 
addition of the splondid screwstearaer Lac La Belle 1.156 tons custom 
house measurement and fitted out in palatial style to supply the place of the 
steamer Detroit in tlie Detroit and Milwaukee Rail Koad line in connect- 
ion with the fine steamer, Ironsiib?s. Both of these are fsst steamers, 
capable of making 15 miles an hour and accomplishing the transit of the 
lake in bh to 6^ hours, according to the state of tho vreather. The other 
boats belonging to the company, tlio a^j'anistee. Messenger, the Metropolis, 
and the City of Toledo W'ill ply between this Citj'- and the East shore pcints 
north of Grav.d liavcn, Muskegon, Whitelial], Pentwater, Ludii^-jton, 
]^Ianisteo, Glen Harbor, Traverse City, and Northport. 

It is astonishing what one man pos-^ossing energy, tact, and puldic 
spirit can accomplish for the general advancement of a nation. Compare 
the means of transportation by Avarer at the port of Milwaukee a few 
years ago with our 'present, and who could tlien foresee, that ])y the 
laudable exertioas of a single individual, we could in a few years compete 
with Chicago or any other Lake City in t!ie Union as rejards reliable. 



Indl-stkial Resources 



23S 



and expeditious facilities of transportation, from i^Iilvraukee to any re- 
quired point. In a fovr years 3Ir. Engelniann has accomplished this great 
work : we are therefore bound to regai'd him as a public benefactor. 

Statement of Miles of Eoad, Owned and Operated by tho Milwaukee 
and St. Paul R. R. Co. : 



LA CROSSE DIVISION. 



NORTHERN DIVISION. 



Fl-om Milwaukee to La Crosse 
,. "Watertown to IMadison 

Milwaukee to Wiuncconue 
Horicon to Portage City 
Rush Lake to Berlin 



PR A. duCHIEN DIVISION. 



IOWA & MINN. DIVISION. 



Milwaukee to Pra. du Chien 
Milton Junction to Monroe 



,, McGregor to Minneapolis 
',, Mendota Junet to St. Paul 
,, Conwia to Tumah 

Austin to Masen City 
,, Calmou to Algeria 
Total Miles owned by the Co. to date 



Miles. 


Miles. 


195 




37 


282 


104 




44 




' 


155 


19.^> 




42 


235 


215 




6 




9 




40 




126 


39G 




1018 


113 




41 

oo 




20 1 


196 



Miles of Railways Operated 

WEST WISCONSIN RY. From Tomah to Mcnomonee 
St. PAUL & CHICAGO RY. ,, St. Paul to Red Wing 
HASTINGS DAKOTA RY. ,, Hastings to Pairfild 
MILWAUKEE & NORTHERN RY. Milwaukee CedarburgI 

Total Miles Operated by M. & St. Paul Rv. Miles 1.214 

WESTERN UNION RY. " ,, 208.4 

SALUTA, ACKLY & DAKOTA KY. „ 20^ 

Dccember 31st 1870. 

The presence of a rich man iu a district or state is a great blessing, 
especially if he is guided by the moral that wealth has its duties as well 
as its rights. One such man can advauce the social as well as the mater- 
ial interests of his neighbors more effectually than hundred whose aggregate 
wealth equals his, notwitlistanding the tirade of tho thoughtless multitude 
against the accumulation of wealth in the hands of individuals. This is 
not the place to prove or discuss tliis subject. I did so many years ago. 
The fact, however, may be aptly illustrated iu the ease of Hon. Alexander 
3Iitcheil, whose individual exertion and personal intluenoe partly acquired 
by reason of his great wealth, and his adherence to tho moral — that 
wealth has It^ duties as well as its rights, have done more to open up the 
avenues of transportation and iatsrcourso between distant points than 
hundreds scattered through tlie 3t.^tc could have done, whose aggregate 
wealth may equal his. 



-24 Of Wisconsin. 

CHAPTEli IX. 



-K(|u;il, if not many degrees superior, in iiiiportance to our water 
carriage, will be our rail roads, when complete. An inspection of the 
map of Wisconsin will show, that when the roads now in progress, and 
tliosc for which cliarters liave been obtained, shall liavc been in travelling 
order, no State in the TJiiion can compete with this, as regards facilities 
of internal intercourse. All we want in AYiseonsin is unanimity. By 
co-operating in carrying out all such improvements as are calculated to 
benefit the State generally. 

The farmer of Wisconsin, like the merchant, makes his money, not 
of v/hat he consumes, but of what he sells; aiid his profit depends consid- 
erably on the facility of transporting his produce to the mark"et, and the 
cost of doing so, it follows that nothing should be left undone, either on 
the part of government or the people, to 0})cn up and extend the channels 
of transmission, by which the farmer's interest Aviil bo promoted, trade 
and commerce extended, the merchant's gain increased, and every class 
through which the produce' passes, including the consumer, boneStted. 
Where industry prevails, its moral as well as its phj'sical effect, soon man- 
ifests itself, EmplojMnent provides competence, creates a desire to save, 
and diminishes a desire for profligacy, dissipation, and feuds, political and 
religious. AVhile the construction of rail roads and other avenues of 
communication afford present employment, they become the source of 
wealth to thousands, securing, when completed, to tlie working population 
increased employment, by tlius extending the fields of industry, and hiving 
the surest foundation on which to build tlie future prosperity and hap- 
piness of the State. The mineral treasures now lying useless in many 
parts of the State will become accessible, and its agricultural capabilities 
fully developed. 

The absence of lofty hills and dcop ravines, requiring cutting or 
tunnelling, and expensive filling or viaducts, with a superabundance of 
V('Ood for little or notliing, keeps down the expense of actual construction 
in this country, as campared with the enormous cost of construction in 
England or Ireland, where labor is so low. The great item of expense 
in America is iron, which, in general, is imported from Great Britain. 
This ia unpardonable in a country full of the finest iron ore in the world, 
with abundance of fuel to fasliion it iato any shape that may be required- 
When shall we see. the folly of sending so many railliona of dollars to Eng- 
land every year to purchase railway iron when it can be manufactured 
here to the highest perfection ? And instead of getting a good article from 
England, she sends us the very dregs of her manufacture. Last year, 
wo imported of rail road iron to the amount of more than ^8,000.000. 



Imdusthial Resouuckj 235 

Here it costs iiotliiug to procure u eharter fur a railroad — ia England or 
Ireland it sometimes costs ^10,000 a mile ; hero it costs little to obtain 
the riglit of way — in the old country it sonietimes costs thousands: in 
this country, the engineering cspense is but a trifle — in the old country 
it formes a most important item in the expcii.''c. In this country, th& first 
outlay is kept as low us possible, consistent with the bare working capacity 
of the road. In Wisconsin it will not often exceed ^*20,000 per mile. 
When a rail road here earns the means of improving itself, the improve- 
ment is effected — in the old country, the road is coustructed in the first 
instance at a vast expense, but it is to last for ever. Most of the roads 
here have only single tracks, to save expense. In a new countr}^ such as 
this, without much capital, the plan we adopt is the wiser of the two, and 
as economy is our guide, why send so much capital abroad when we have 
the means of supplying ourselves at our doors. We could supply the 
whole world with lead, yet we import of that article to the amount of one 
million and a half of dollars. 

Rail Road Accidenl ». 

In connection with this subject, I might mention a few of the chief 
causes that have led to the loss of life and property on our rail roads. In 
the first place the want of proper fences gives free access to cattle, hogs, 
and other animals by which life and propertj' are at all times exposed to 
accidents, and frec|ueutly sacrificed. It is true that when a road runs 
througb a wilderness, far removed from habitation of man, there is little 
danger to be apprehended, and the expense of fencing may be considerable. 
But though there may be an excuse for neglecting to fence such a road, 
there can be none whatever for leaving a road, in the vicinity of a town, 
or even of a locality but thinly inhabited, exposed to the intrution of man 
or boast; as such exposure endangers the life, not only the of passengers, 
but of the intruders themselves. Dangers arising from this cause ought 
to bo strictly guarded against, by erecting proper fences. In the second 
place, the use of flat iron rails has beoii the frequent cause of fatal acci- 
dents ; and even rails of the best form,- when not properly fixed and of 
sufficient weight and strength, have been often the cause of sad disasters, 
Avhich a weightier article, firmly fixed, would have prevented. In the 
third place, when th« railroad crosses a public or private road, on the same 
level, danger is to be apprehended. lu the old country, no accident can 
arise from this cause, as in all populous districts the roads are seldom al- 
lowed to cross each other on the same level, and whenever they do, in 
rural districts, the crossing is well guarded, so as to prevent the possibil- 
ity of a collision. 

Another cause, which has frequently lead to accidents, is the un- 
pardonable neglect of a minute and thorough examination, by a competent 



236 OF V,' I,<CONSIN. 

person, of the working condition of the boiler, the engine, and tlie working 
apparatus of the entire train before starting. This is a duty tliat .should 
be strictly attended to. But in too many cases, the cause is traced to ;i 
palpable neglect of tho persuns in charge of the engine, ari.sing often from 
the peruiciuus use of intu.Kica,ting lii[uorri. Neglect on the part of tlia (en- 
gineer, arising from wliivtever cause it may, should never lie overlooksd. 
Want of duo caution ontliepart of the engineer, in approaching a stopping- 
place, has froquently been the eauao of violent and destructive eoncufi- 
sions, which might have been prevented by timely attention to the regula- 
tion of tho necessary speed. Curves of small radius have contributed their 
proper share to tho catalogue of accidents of wldeii we so often read. 

Accidents sometimes occur from neglect on the part of the attendant, 
in arranging tlie switch so as to allow the train to pass from one track to 
another. Curves on railroads should never, if possible, be so abrufit as 
to require the train to pass over them with any considerable diminuiion 
of speed. And, as a further precaution, both the curved part and the ap- 
proaches to it should be comparatively high. A curve of a quarter of a 
mile radius is passed v/itli safety at the rate of thirty miles an hour. I 
might point out several precautionary njeasurcs little thought of in this 
country, which, if carried out vv^ith the same scrupulous regard to the pub- 
lic safety as in England, could not fail of saving many valuable lives that 
are now daily expcsod to danger under the careless management of en- 
gineers and others having. charge of the working dopartmeni of our roads. 
The following comparative statement of the railway accidents, for one year 
in tho State of New York and England, will show, at once, how much 
better railway busii^ess is managed there than here : 

Out of 47,509,31)2 passengers, conveyed on rail roads in l^ngland, 
only IV were killed ; while out of 7,410, 6;"--.3 passengers carried ():i the 
New York rail roads, 1G2 were killed. In England, the chances of being 
killed on a rail road were as 1 to 285,017 ; while, in the United Stat.s8S, 
the chances v/ere as l to 45.744, thus sliowing that the chances of being 
killed in the State of New York are between and 7 times as great as in 
Eno^land. ^Yhen things arc so in the State of New York, where we liave 
some of the best roads ia the Union, what must the comparative dai'.ger 
be on other roads, not near so well equipped? This is a subject demand- 
ing the most earnest and speedy attention of tlie Legislature at Wash- 
ington. 

Very few are aware of the wonderful force with which two locomo- 
tives, moving in opposite dircetions, como together, if wc suppose a special 
train to move at the rata of 60 miles an hour, ths common speed onsc-meof 
the English and American rail road.«>. « This is one mile in*a minute, or 88 
feet in a second. Now, if we* suppose the entire train to weigh 35 tone, 



iNDU.STJilAL l^E^OCUCKi 



~Ol 



whic'a aro (.Mjual to 70,000 pounds, aad which, moving at the rate of 88 
feet per second, gives a mouieiitum of G, 100,000^ pounds, movinf at the 
rate of one foot per second ; and when two such locomotives meet, mov- 
ing in opposite directions, the momentum will be twice as great, that is 
12,320,000 pounds, moving at the rate of one foot per second of time. 
The crash occasioned by snch a collision will juet bo ecjual to that nro- 
du'-ed by CAl caun'iu balls, each LS 11)3., shot from a great gun, charged 
with the usual quanity of guu-powder. If we suppose the velocity to be 
only 30 miles an hour, which is not considered a high speed, and the train 
to weigh TO tons, the effect produced by a collision with another of equal 
weight would exactly be equal to the last. A collision of two, weitrhinf)- 
140 tons each, and moving at the rate of 15 miles a'l hour, would be 
equally disastrous, the momentum in each case being the same. 



A STATj'JMEJYT of 'he pupulatiun of ihe liiafcof Wisconsin, by ton-ns. 

Census for 1870. 



ADAMS COUNTY. iCross 



Adams 

Big Flats 

Pell Prairie 

Easton.. 

Jackson 

Leola 

Lincoln 

Monroe 

New Chester 

New Haven 

Preston 

Quincy 

Richfield 

Rome 

Springvillc 

Strong's Prairi( 

White Creek 



621 



.435|Fountain City 

89|Grilmantown 
534jGleneoe 
338iMaxville 
4Sl!Milton 
185>Modena 

.433lMontana 508 

417jNaple8 1,009 

330 Nelson 1,291 

894|Waumandee 1,138 

1611 

272 'Total 11,123 

266| BARRON COUNTY. 
r,q/:.iBarron. 528 

1J43! BROWN COUNTY 



5(jjHolland 
■ •onHoward 
'i;^^^: Humboldt 
*^'0[Lawrcnce 
•^34, Morrison 
244 New Denmark 



Pittsfield 

Preble 

Rockland.. 

Scott 

Suamico 

Wrightstown. 

Total 



278 

1,155 

730 

759 

1,166 

Sib 

6S8 

1,104 

754 

1,SS5 

1,073 

1,446 

25,180 



CALMUET COUNTY. 



822 



Brillon 



Total 



554 

1,382 

875 

358 



Brothertown 
Charlestown 
Chilton 
Harrison 
New Holstein 



206iBeIleview 

JDepere, town 

6,713' village 

ASHLAND COUNTY, l!!'':^*' ^^P®^^ 
LaPointc ooi;Eaton 

BAYFIELD COUNTY;^^^* ^^'^""■^' ^''iTov^";?^-. 

"RoTrfiolfl ' ^'^A -^'-^'^'-'.btockbridge 

Bayfield 3o4, 0,1 ^.,rd 742 Woodville 

BUFFALO COUNTY.: 3d ward 207 

Alma 484 4th ward 407| Total 

village 565 Glenmore. 730 

Belvidere 632 Green Bay town. . 1.073 

Bufialo -459, city,5lstwardl'758 

" City 268 " '2d ward 1,972 

Canton 6481 3d ward 936 



672 
1,605 
1.250 
1,517 
1,562 
1,812 

915 
1,978 
1,023 



12,334 
CHIPPEWA CO. 

Anson 320 

Bloomer 727 



1^>< 



OK Wisconsin. 



Chippewa Fa'ls 1st ward Scott, 

040 Springvale 
llnd Avard. 
Eagle Point 
Edsou 
La Fayette. 
Sigcl ' 
Wheat on. 



bo-l I'riiurof-e 1 015 

TOO Pleasant Springs 1,0G5 

OiOIloxburv 1,307 

1.1105 Kutland 1,130 

S[)ringdalc 1,138 

•2S,7C9:SpriDgfield 1.44S 
CRAWFORD CO. ;Stou^iton, village 980 



l,0G0We6t Point 
>-51 Wvocena 
:231 

GST Total 
12> 



Total 

CLARK COUNTY 



'^' -I Clay ton 
lEastman 



1 _)•-,(• 'Sun Prairie, town 084 
''-^'^^ •ii„_„ ana 



!H 



'reenu 
aney 



Eaton 

Grrant 

Lewis 

Loyal 

Lynn 

Mentor 

Pine Valley 

Wcsto;; 

Total. 



315j Marietta 
387|Prairie du Chicn 

303Scott 
039 Soneca 
lOSiUnion 
44l|Utica 
OooiVrauzeka 
500 1 

i Total 

.441' 



I 2141 _ village 
I'oYQJ Vienna 
\f|Ql Verona 
^r^l^lVermont 

3,G0l!^X^s*I^°^' 



801 
1,233 

340 
L260 

023 



Windsor 
York 

Total 



62 () 
1,177 
1,124 
1,244 

1,5S0 
1,256 
1,0G0 

53,100 



12,117 
DANir COUNTY. , 



COLUMBIA CO. \M]n< 



Arlington. 
Caledonia 
Cambria, village 
Culumbus, town 
village 
Courtland* 
Dekora 
Fall River 
Fort AVinnebago, 
Fountain Prairie 
Hampden 
].oeds 
Lewistoii 
Lodi 
Lowville 
Marcellon 
Newport 

Village of Kilbonrn City 
1,114 
Otsego 
Pacific 
Portage, 1st ward 

-d ward 

3d ward 

4 th ward 

5th ward 
Randolph, town 

village 



823;Berry 
l,181[Rlack Earth 

502|Bioomin2 Grove 

053iBiue Mounds 
l,8S;"i:Bristol 

058!Burke 
i,207!Christiana 

250 Cottage Grove 

706: Cross Plains 
l,028iDaae 
l,002:Deerlield 
1,101 Dunkirk 
l,031',Dunn 
l,565!Fitehburg 

S80|Madison, town 

920 1 

588| 

3d ward 
4tli ward 
l',719 Mazonianie, town 

247 j village 

GSSiMedina 

710|Middleton 

473'Middlelon 
1.152| lage 

965;Montrose 
1.086 Oregon 
61 Perrv 



DODGE COUNTY. 

Ashippun 1,623 

Burnett 982 

Beaver Dam, town 1,463 



1,142 Beaver Dam, city, 1st 

1,1 5C ward ' 537 

06G 2d ward 836 

1,010 3d ward 992 

1,165 4th ward 899 

l,275iCalamus 1,140 

l,127Chester 866 

1.342|Cljuian 1,526 

955!Elba ,496 

l,506lEramett 1,3T4 

1,043 Fox Lake, town, 830 

1,040 Fox Lake, village 1086 

1,104 Hubbard 3,u08 

l,172Horicon, village* 80 

1,152 Hustisford 1,696 

857 Herman 1,935 

city 1st ward 3,963 Lebanon 1,622 

2d ward 1.601 Leroy 1,576 

•J,4l8Lomi'ra i,905 

1,801 Lowcl 2,415 

560 Oak Grove 1,724 

1,144 JHineau village 300 

1,526 Portland 1,286 

1,539' Rubicon 1,995 

Station vil-Shields 1,110 

286Theresa 2,248 

1.157 Trenton 1,735 

1,408 Westford 1,341 

l,05LWiIliamstown 2,305 



Industrial Resoukces 



239 



Watcrtowu, city, 5th 

ward ' :^li 

6th ward l,o77 

Wail pun, south ward 

1,012 



Total 47,140 

DOOll COUNTY 

Brussels ^ 406 
Baiiej's Harbor 283 

Clay Banks 319 

Egg Harbor 159 

Forestvillo 351 

Gardner 404 

Gibraltar 466 

Jaeksonport 139 

Liberty Grove 331 

Nasewaupee 340 
Sevastopol ' 326 

Sturfreon Bay 661 

Uuiou ' 294 

Washington 384 

Tutal 4,86t 

DOUGLAS COUNTY. 

Superior 1,132 

DUNN COUNTY. 

Colfax 233 

Dunn 990 

Eau Galle 978 

Elk Mound 433 

Grant 588 

Lucus 317 

Menonionee 2,212 

New Haven 554 

Peru 242 

Red Cedar 649 

Rock Creek 267 

Sheridan 117 

Sherman 305 

Spring Brook 1,061 

Weston 339 

Taiater 206 

Total 9,4^ 
EAU CLAIRE CO. 

Augusta 765 

Bridge Creek 777 

Brunswick 576 



Eau Claire 1,479 

Lincoln 999 
North Eau Claire 1,127 

Oak Grove 896 

Otter Creek 921 

Pleasant Valley 349 

Washington 527 

West Eau Claire 2,458 



Total 10,782 

FOND DU LAC CO. 

ilto . 1,450 

AshforJ 1,801 

Auburn 1,020 

Byrou 1,441 

Calumet 1,459 

Eden 1,449 

Eldorado l,f)74 

Empire 1,055 

Fond duLac town 1,271 

Fond du Lae city 1st 

Vard 3,028 

2d M'ard 1,977 

od ward 3.135 

4th ward 3.014 

5th ward I,6ll 

Forest 1,417 

Friendship 1,101 

Lamartinc 1,366 

Marsclitield, poll No. 1 

1,594 

Metomeji 1,899 

Oakfield 1,'362 

Osceola 1,209 

Ripon, town 1,143 

Ripon City— 1st ward 

1,690 

2d ward 1,287 

Rosendale 1,298 

Springrale 1,254 

Taycheedah 1,520 

Waupun, town 1,23 

Waupun, city north ward 

924 



Blue River G60 

Blooniington 880 

Bloomington, village 365 
Boscobel ^ 14 1 

Boscobel, village 1,509 
Cassvillo 767 

Cassville, village 551 
Clifton 1,97G 

Ellei'.boro 803 

Fennimoro 1,794 

Glen Haven 1,0 i 4 

Glen Haven, village 103 
Harrison 1,045 

Hazel Groen 1,438 

Hazel Green villao-e 723 



Total 46,292 

GRANT COUNTY. 

Bcetown, village 505 
Beetown, town 1,115 



Hickory Grove 


907 


Jamwtown 


1,114 


L'lnfa.-tcr 


2,714 


Li'oertv 


907 


Lima 


1,085 


Little Grant 


813 


Marion 


675 


Millville 


223 


Mount Hope 


758 


Muscoda 


911 


Paris 


907 


Pateli Grove 


(>5I 


Patch Grove, villace 177 


Platteville, 


1.146 


Platteville,vill 


age 2,537 


Potosi 


2,686 


Snielzer 


1,294 


Waterloo 


951 


Watertown 


580 


Wingville 


1.031 


Vroodiaan 


559 


Wyalusing 
Total 


860 


:w,975 


GREEN CO 


UNTY. 


Adams 


1,007 


Albany 


1,374 


Brodhead, villa 


g<-' 1,548 


Brooklyn 


■ 1,111 


Cadiz 


1.404 


Clarno 


1,637 


Decatur 


911 


Exeter 


949 


Jeiterson 


1,673 


Jordan 


1,082 



24!) 



Of Wisconsin 



!,I2S 
3,404 
1,104, 



Albion 
Alma 

1,2:50: Garden Valley 
!,034:nixto)i 
f'Ol 'Irving 
l,088!Manehestcr 
Melrose 



23,609:Northfioia 



IvIoBroe 

Monroe, villagu 
Mount Pleasant 
New Glarus 
Spring Grove 
Sylvestor 
Washington 
York 

Total 
OREEN ].AKE CO.jSpnngfield 

Berlin, town 1.024 

eity 1 st \Yard 1 , 1 03 

2d ward 

3d ward 
Brooklyn 
Ureen Lake 
Kingston, town 
village 
IMaekford 
Nanchester 



JACKSON COUNTY. 



1,992 
738 

680 
900 
830 
427 
933 
500 



Total 



/,/ i'-: 



65" 

984 

1,339 

•],|80 

807 



JEFIi'EESON CO. 



1.25i 
1,150 



Markesan, villagef 

Marquette 

Princetoxi 

village 
St. Marie 
Seneca 



927 
1,006 
705 
705 
415 



Aztalan 
Gold Spring 



1,252 
142 
1,027 
2,417 
1,373 
1,779 
2,234 
2, 177 
1,193 



Lindina 

Lisbon 

N'ew Lisbon, 

Lyndon 
Marion 

Mansion, village 
Necedah 

village 
Orange 
Plymoutii 
Seven Milo Creek 
Summit 
Wonowoc 



i,0G5 

449 

village 

1,220 
47 9 
284 
9 02 
242 
941 
1>35 
795 
825 

(OD 

933 



T6tal 



13,287 



IOWA COUNTY, 



Arena 


2,131 


Avoca 


4!8 


Clyde 


706 


Dogeville, town 


2,301 


village 


1,407 


Higliland, town 


2,534 


village 


482 


Linden 


2,054 


Mifflin 


J, 490 


^lineral Point, 


town 




J, 550 


city 1st ward 1,087 


2d ward 


1,589 


Moscow 


955 


Pulaski 


1,082 


Ridgoway 


2,495 


Waldwiek 


935 


Wyoming 


739 



Concord 
Fjfrmington 
Hebron 
Ixonia 
Jefferson 
Jefferson villag 
Koshkonong 
Yillaire of Fort Atkinson 
2,009 
Lake Mills, town 919 

villao-e 59{ 

Milford ■ 1,009 

Oakland 1,072 

Palmyra, town 925 

village 703 

Sulivan 1,550 

Sumner 468 

Waterloo, town 1,091 

village 727 

Watertown, town 2,222 

*city 1st ward 1,583 



Total 12,396 

KENOSHA COUNTY. 



Brigliton 
Bristol 
Kenosha city 



1,187 

1,140 

1 st ward 

1,562 



2nd ward 

3d ward 

4th ward 

Paris 

Pleasant Prairie 

Randall 

Salem 

Somcrs 

Wheatland 

Total 



1,001 

944 

801 

1,016 

1.377 

533 

1,386 

1.359 

871 

13,177 



KEWAUNEE Ca. 

],544 



Total 



24,555 



2d ward 
3d ward 
4th ward 
7th ward 



1,480 
936 
514 

852 



Total 



34,050 



JUNEAU COUNTY. 



Armenia 

Cloarlield 

Fountain 

Gennantown 

Kildare 

Lemonweir 



253 
203 
f.99 
595 
585 
99.5 



Ahnepee 

Carlton 1,185 

Casco 794 

*Coryville 

Franklin 1,280 

Kewaunee 1,840 

Lincoln 680 

Montpelier 877 

Pierce J, 133 

Red River 948 

^ Total 10,281 

LA CROSSE CO. 

Barre 1,391 

Bangor 1,1 5l 

Burns 94l 

Campbell 590 



OF Wisconsin. 



241 



Farmington l.b'l'I 

Greenfield 676 

Holland Si 9 
La Crosse, city, 

Istward 2,2 d] 

2d ward 1,462 

3d ward 2,736 

4th ward 1,297 
North La Crosse, 

village 1,494 

Neshenoc 869 

Onalaska 1,532 

Shelby 654 

Washington 870 



Manitowoc Rapids l,S63|Grreeufield 
Maple Grove l,15()lLake 



1,179 

1,303 

1,724 

459 



Total" 20,295 
LA FAYETTE CO. 

Argyle 

Belmont 

Benton 

Blanchard 

Dalington, Tillage 

and town 2,772 

,Elk Grove 1,378 

Fayette 1,192 

Gratiot 1,718 

Kendall 1,131 

Monticello 480 

New Diggings 1,794 

Seymour 419 

Shullsburg 2,70a 

Wayne 1,056 
White Oak Springs 540 

Willow Springs 1,119 

Wiota 1,700 



Meeme 

Mishicott 

Newton 

Rockland 

Schleswig 

Two Creek! 

Two Rivers 



Two Rivere, village 
1st ward 843 

2d ward 522 



Total 33,*69 

MARATHON CO. 
Bereen 



2,266 

2,974 

l,57y|Milwaukee, Town 3,096 

1,651 city— 1st ward 8,006 

1,992 2d ward 8,361 

S89 3d ward 6,157 

1,718 4th ward 7,640 

472 5th ward 8,725 

1,400 6th ward 7,376 

7th ward 7,033 

8th ward 6,624 

9th ward 11, 539 
Oak Creek 1,959 

Wauwatosa 3,691 



Berlin 

Jenny 

Kuowlton 

Maine 

3Iarathon 

Mosinee 

Stettin 

Texas- 

Wausau 



86 
879! 



Wein 

Weston 

Total 



town 
village 



Total 89.936 

MONROE COUNTY 

^ISiAdriau 

166|AngeIo 

694;Clifton 

S-i'^'Eaton 

^34 Giendale 

'^l-' Greenfield 

^'■iJefterson 

•i-iSiLa Fayette 
l,349|Loou ' 

109'Lincoln 

2G5iLittle Falls 
lOakdale 



Total 22,667 

MANITOWOC CO. 



5, 8 8.5 Portland 
MARQUETTE CO. :Ridgeville 



Cato 

Centerville 

Cooperstown 

Eaton 

Franklin 

Gibson 

Kossuth 

Liberty 

MarQitowoc, town 
village 
let ward 
2d ward 
3d ward 
4th ward 



Buffalo 

Crystal Lake 

Douglas 

Harris 

Mecan 

Montello 

Moundville 

Neshkoro 

Newton 

Oxford 

Packwaukee 

Shields 

Springfield 

mstfield 



1,669 
1,650 
1,567 
1,468 
1,597 
1,638 
2,187 
1,43C 
1,016 

I Total 
1,533 MILWAUKEE 

955Franklia 
l,54l|Granville 
1,139 



g24;Sheldon 
ggQ Sparta 
gIglSparta. village 
4gg)Tomah 

7]^2''-^^^^^^, village 
334 Wellington 
4Qg!WiIton 

436' 

608} Total 16.652 

608j OCONTO COUNTY. 



603 
461 
501 
392 
679 
519 
765 
492 
1,242 
1,137 
721 
619 
630 
829 
615 
1,146 
2,315 
829 
837 
502 
818 



612|Gillett 
j66iLittlo Suamico 
-^-'^iMarinette 
•534|Oconto 

city east ward 7^7 

1,012 

896 



268 

542 

1,334 

623 



8,05/ I ^gg^ ^^j.(J 

CO. I south ward 

2,092:Pensaukee 

2,397iPeshtigo 

(16) 



777 
1,750 



'iU 



I N IU> Ji'l' U 1 A L 1\ K .<(> nUCS ^ 



AV hit O.St own 



18,07:J| villagv 
WALWORTH CO. lottuwa 



Now tJcriiii l.SlU'Suxvillc 

Oounomowoo, town l,.'>"it Spiingwator 
1. llU ^\':u•l•on 



9±:\\\u\UmvA 



7-1 f. 
•il'.t) 

IHVl 



JBloomllold 

Pavion 

DoloYiUi, village 

Dslpvan 

Kasl Troy 

Klkhoni 

Genova, village 

Gouovti 

La Fay otto 

La (uaiiijo 

{.iiui 



l.lij^rPowaiikoe 
l,f>S3;Sunuuit 
l.l>S8!Vw"iu>a 
S'J 1 1 Wauko!«ba villajjo 



11, 



!) 



1,431 

1.207 

1)98 

1.0-12 



ami ti 



Total 
WAl'PAOA 00. 

1,033 Bear iVoolc 
l,03l)|falo.lonia 
S95il>aTton 



1,180: WINNKHAtJO 00. 
Algom.'i Sits 
Hutto clos Morts, 
j village 

Ola V ten 



3,8( 



(^live:;>, ") Uudsou l,8li!| Oupotit 



Kiehmor.d 

8havoi\ 

Spritig Prairio 

Sugar Oret»k 

Troy 

Wftiworth 

Wlutowater 

Total 



l,t)l7|Fanuingtoii 
l,SC).''v Fremont 
1,210 Helv«tia 

tnUlola 
l,17(.i Larralioe 
l,2i)4iLt»bani)n 
4,200;Luia 

iLittlo Wolf 



*2^.0l)2iMattosou 



WAS^WNGTON CO. Mukwa 



ir>2Kuveka 
Oi;i Moaasha 
87;>| village 

lAONoouah 
731 J viliage 
(laljNekiini 
l48iNi<peiiskin 
720iOmro, village 

0;"»7 
017 
710 
2Sl) 



■•'(huro, 

Oskkosh, town 



16C> 

847 
1.340 

318 

024 
2.484 

408 
2,051 
1.270 
1,130 
1.852 
1,385 

730 



i^ildition 
Barton 
.Eriu 

Fanniugton 
Gorman town 
Harttonl 
Jackson 
Kewasknni 
Tolk 
Richtielil 
Trenton 
Wajne 
West lnM\il 
village 

Total 



l,834:Now Loiulou. 

1,370 village* 

1.200il\o^alton" 

l,884i8t. Lawrenee 

1.054JSeauiiinaYia 

2,(»85jUnion 

1, 07 8j Waupaca 

1 , 309 Woy jiu wega , tow n 

2,2201 village 

i.o.vi; ' - 

1,711 



050 



15,583 
W^M^f^HARACO. 



2a ward 
3d ward 
-'(til wanl 
r>th ward 
l,OU);l»oygan 
053ii\uslitonl 
75i)|rtioa 
l,007|Vinland 

21 Ij Winchester 

2,04ljWinneeonne. 

482, village 

701 Winneeoune 

Wolf River 



citv ,1st ward 2,717 
2,501 
3,4P3 
2.770 
1.132 
844 



Aurora 
l,0l3jBloomtioia 

Colonia 

•-iS.005 n,i;ota 
W A U Iv K 8 H A C . ; Poor tiwld 



1.710 
1,030 
1.040 
1.430 

1.10!> 

830 
505 



Total 37.325 

067 W00"1> COHNTV. 

l,123lCentralia 803 

310;GrandRapids. village 540 

4771 citv. Ist wanl 337 



l^ri'oktield 

Dolotieia 

Eaglo 

Gouossee 

Lieib on 

Mononionee 

Morton 

Miikwanago 

Mnskego 



2.38! llajieock 
1,301 lioon 
1,250 Marion 
1,462 Monnt Morris 
1,385 thipis 
•i,847 riaintieia 
1,012 Toysippr 
l.20l'l\icbtord 
1.400 Kosr 



234 
-138! 
808 
505 
584 
034 
090 
012 
42i) 
307 



2d waxil 
od ward 



Lincoln 

Uuvlolph 

Saratoga 

Sonoca 

Sigel 

' Total 



401 
37(5 
220 
317 
300 
203 
210 



3.011 



(M'' WlHOONSIN. 



rnpviouon o 


t t 


. iiuii'.s as 


<f/,vcn 1 


>!/ fhr nnitcd ^ 


ofr.y, 




Alar thai. 






^\i.. ; 


'u|.ul;i- (ilitios au(l I 


'ujMi.i.i- ; M^n:,^ .Mhl 


IN.pida- 


Villages 


iion. 


Villages 
(irand Kiipid 


tion 
1,114 


Villngc« 
Oniro 


lioM. 


Aiii)lofa)ii 


I,r)21 


1,85:: 


Alma 


nor. 


(Iroon liay 


4,000 


OshkoKli 


i2,(;7;5 


iM.'Init 


,:!!)s 


iU'Ai .liaven 


1 g;.! 


ProKcolt 


1,145 


!5ultt' (KiH iwdii.s 


iCid 


iriuJHOn 


1,74S 


Port ago 


::,9;s5 


llullalo 


IKIS 


lloricoii 


80 


I'niirio du Oliion 


;!,oiu 


Heaver Dmih* 


:;;j(il 


1 ia/iOl (Iretui 


7u:i 


1'ji.l.e.h (Jrove 


177 


I'.eelowii 


U{)U 


lli'i;ldan(l 


4S2 


PlaLtevillo 


2,537 


l>lii(inmi;;t<iii 


;)iir. 


lanosvilN^ 


s,78!) 


Frinceton 


« 705 


Bostiobt'l 


i.r.u'J 


Jun(!au 


;!oo 


I'aluiyni. 


703 


lirodhuad 


i,r,4.s 


JolTersou 


'-:,177 


* Haudolpli 


(U 


iJorliii 


li,77N 


Kilhovu-n Oity 


1,114 


Ki|ion 


2,977 


(Miippewa Falln 


1 li.OlS 


KenoHha 


4,:ios 


llacine 


9,H8l 


M'IdiLioual rotuin 


i 4!>J 


Lulu^ Mills 


590 


li«ed.sl)urg 


547 




i',;>10 


ha CrosHO 1 


7.780 


Sparta, 


2,315 


Cainiiria 


fiO-i 


Nitrlli villagu j 


1,494 


Sank City 


1,045 


(Columbus 


1,888 




!),28() 


Steven.s I'oitit 


I,rtl0 


Ciiss villi) 


551 


MonaHlia 


'J,4S4 


Spr!ii|^Greoii 


422 


l^elavaii 


l,()8S 


IVladiiSoii 


;»,I78 


Siieboyj^'an City 


5,310 


Hopore 


I,;i8ii 


MazoMianie 


11,44 


Sheboygan Falls 


1,175 


I'odgcvillo 


1,107 


iMiddlKt.on 


280 


Stougliton 


9h9 


Eau (Jlaii-(! ) 
North ' 
West ) 


l,M7!) 


Monroe 


M,404 


Sim Prairie 


020 


1 , lti7 


iMinoral.roiiil 


:],270 


Two niver.s 


1.305 


2,450 


;W;i,\istoM 


902 


'I'omah 


837 




5,0(52 


Maiiitowue, 


5,108 


Went Bond 


1,043 


Fountain (Jily 


S(;7 


.Milvvaukuo 


71,401 


VVcyauwega 


7(il 


lAtrt Hdward 


•j,4(;i 


New London 


1,010 


WaUirtowM 


7,553 


Fall Kiv(!r 


li;M) 


Nconah 


2,054 


Waiipiin 


1,930 


Fox Jjakc 


l,08(i 


NiiW Lisb»n 


1,220 


W^aterloo 


727 


Fond du Luc 


12,7(;5 


ISTcT-edah 


944 


Wausau 


1,34!> 


Fort Atkinson 


•j.ooy 


Oconto 


2.055 






Geneva 


908 


OcOllOMlOWOe 


1,401 







246 



Industrial Resources 



Offices open on the Northwestern Telegraph Co's Lines -in 1871. 



Adams, 

Algona, 

Anoka, 

Appleton, 

Arena, 

Atwater, 

Austin, 

Avoca, 

Bangor, 

Beaver Dam, 

Belle Plain, 

Beloit, 

Benson, 

Berlin,* 

Big Lake, 

Blak Earth, 

Blakeley, 

Blooming Prairie, 

Blue Eiver, 

Boscobel, 

Brainerd, 

Brandon, 

Brentwood,- 

Bridgeport, 

Britt, 

Brodhead, 

Brooklield, 

Burnett. 

Byron, 

Calmar, 

Cambria, 

Carpenter, 

Castalia, 

Cedarburgh, 

Codar River, 

Centreville, 

Charles City, 

Chester, 

Chicago, 

Chickasaw, 

Glaremont, 

Clear Lake, 

Clear Lako, < 

Columbus, 

Counover, 

Crosco, 

Cross Plains, 

Crow Wing, 

Darwin, * 



Minn 

Iowa 
Minn, 

Wis. 

Wis. 
Minn. 
Minn. 

Wis. 

Wis. 

Wis. 
Minn. 

Wis. 
Minn. 

Wis 
Minn 

Wis. 
Minn. 
Minn. 

Wis 

Wis. 
Minn. 
; Wis. 
Minn. 

Wis. 

Iowa 

Wis. 

Wis. 

Wis. 
Minn. 
Iowa 

Wis. 
Iowa. 
Iowa. 

Wis. 
Mich. 
Mich. 

Iowa 

Wis. 

Ills. 
Iowa. 
Minn. 

Iowa 
Minn. 

Wis 
Iowa. 
Iowa. 

Wis. 
Minn. 
Minn. 



Deansville, 
Decoral), 
Delano, 
Depere, 
Dodge Centre, 
Duluth, 
Dundas, 
Eagle, 
Edgerton, 
Elk River 
Elm Grove, 
End of Track, 
N. P. R.R. 
Escanaba, 
Evansville, 
Eyota, 
Fall River, 
Faribault, 
Farmington 
Fond du Lac, 
Fond du Lac, 
Forest Lake, 
Fort Atkinson, 
Fort Atkinson, 
Fort Ripley, 
Fox Lake, 
Griard, 
Granville, 
Green Bay 
Greenfield. 
Hamilton, 
Hanover. 
Hartford, 
Hartland, 
Hastings, 
Hinckley 
Horicon, 
Houghton, 
Hudson, 
Iron Ridge, 
Janesville, 
Janesville, 
Jefferson. 
Juda, 
Juneau, 
Kasson, 
Kettle River, 
Kilbourn City, 
La Crosse, 



Minn. 

Mich. 

Wis. 
Minn. 

Wis 
Minn. 
Minn. 
Minn. 

Wis. 
Minn. 
Iowa. 

Wis. 
Minn. 

Wis. 

Iowa 

Wis. 

Wis. 

Wis. 
Minn. 

Wis. 

Wis. 

Wis. 
Minn. 
Minn. 

Wis. 
Mich. 

Wis 



Wis. 
Wis 
Wis. 
Wis. 
Minn. 



Wis. Lake City, Minn. 

Iowa Lake Crystal. Minn. 

Mini}. Lansing, Minn. 

Wis. Lawler, , Iowa. 

Minn. L'Anse Mich. 

Minn Leroy, Minn. 

Minn. Le Sneur, Minn. 

Wis. Lewiston, Minn. 

Wis. Lime Springs, Iowa 

Minn. Litchfield Minn. 

Wis. Little Falls, Mhm. 

Little Suamico, Wis. 

Lone Rock, * Wis. 

Long Lake, Minn. 

Lowell, Wis. 

Luana, Iowa. 

Lyle, Minn. 

Lyndon, Wis. 

Madelia, Minn. 

Madison, Wis. 

Manitowoc, Wis. 

Mankato, Minn. 

Marquette, Mich. 

Mason City, Iowa. 

^Lauston, Wis. 

Mazemanie, Wis. 

Mc Farland, Wis. 

Mc Gregor, Iowa. 

Medford, Minn. 

Mendota, Minn. 

Menoraonee, Mich. 

Middleton, Wis. 

Milton, Wis. 

Milton June, Wis. 

Milwaukee, Wis. 

Mil Stock Y'ds, Wis. 

Minneapolis, Minn. 

Minneiska. Minn. 

Minn June, Wis. 

Wis:Monona. Iowa. 

Minn.lMonroc, Wis. 

Moose Lake, Minn. 

Mud River, Minn. 

Muscoda, Wis. 

Nashotah, Wis. 

Neenah, Wis. 

Minn.'Negaunee, Mich. 

Wis. New Hampton, Iowa. 

Wis.. New Lisbon, Wis. 



. 




OF Wisconsin. 


. 


No rail Springs, 


Iowa. 


[landolph, 


Wis 


Spring Green, 


North Branch, 


Minn. 


Redwing, 


Minn. 


Stillwater, 


Northfiekl, 


Minn. 


Reeds Landing, 


Minn. 


Stoughton, 


N.P. R. R. June. 


Minn. 


Richfield, 


Wis. 


Sun Prairie, 


North Prairie, 


Wis. 


Ridgeway, 


Iowa. 


Thompson, 


Oeonomowoc, 


Wis. 


Rio, 


Wis. 


Tomah, 


Oconto, 


Wis. 


Ripon, 


Wis. 


Trempealeau, 


Omro, 


Wis. 


River Falls, 


Wis. 


Two Rivers, 


Oregon, 


Wis. 


Rochester, 


Minn. 


Wabasha, 


Oshkosh, 


Wis. 


Rolling Prairie 


Wis. 


Waseea, 


Ossian, 


Iowa. 


Rosemount, 


Minn. 


Waterloo, 


Otsego, 


Wis. 


Rubicon, 


Wis. 


Watertown, 


Ottawa, 


Minn. 


Rush City, 


Minn. 


Waukau, 


Owatonna, 


Minn. 


Rush Lake. 


Wis. 


Waukesha, 


Ozaukee, 


Wis. 


St. Anthony, 


Minn. 


Waupun, 


Pahnyra, 


Wis. 


St. Charles, 


Minn. 


Wauzeka, 


Pardeeville, for- 


j Wis. 


St. Cloud, 


Minn. 


Wayzata, 


merly Midland 


St. James, 


Minn. 


West Salem, 


Pensaukee, 


Wis. 


St, Paul, 


Minn. 


White Bear Lake 


Peshtigo, 


Wis. 


St, Paul June, 


Minn. 


Whitewater, 


Pewauk'ee, 


Wis. 


St. Peter, 


Minn. 


Willmar, 


Pine City, 


Minn. 


Sauk Rapids, 


Minn. 


Wiuneconne, 


Plymouth, 


Iowa. 


Schleisingerville, 


Wis. 


Winona, 


Portage City, 


Wis. 


Shakopee, 


Minn. 


Woodland, 


Postville, 


Iowa 


Sheboygan, 


Wis. 


Wrightstow^n, 


Prairie du Ohien 


, Wis. 


Sicottes, 


Minn 


Wyocena 


Prescott, 


Wis. 


Smith Lake, 


Minn 


Wyoming, 


Ramsey, 


Minn. 


Sparta, 


Wifi 





247 

« 

Wis. 
Minn. 
Wis. 
Wis. 
Minn. 
AVis. 
Wis. 
Wis. 
Minn. 
Minn. 
Wis. 
Wis. 
Wis. 
Wis. 
Wis. 
Wis. 
Minn. 
Wis. 
, Minn. 
Wis. 
Minn. 
Wis. 
Minn. 
Wis. 
Wis. 
Wis. 
Minn. 



248 BioGRAi'iiv. 

' Hon WM. E. SMITH, 

who lias uo militury record, it is true, but a highly creditable civil record. 
A medium sized man, a well knit, elastic frame, moveme'uts sprightly ; 
neat in dress and erect and <|uick of speech ; affable and courteous : an 
intellectual head, a smile that is confined to the mouth, theugh pleasant; 
a ready presence ef mind under ordinary circumstances ; an exact moral 
sense and more gcru])ulous honor then is generally regarded necessary 
or useful for profit in public political life — not always manifested in words 
but by the most, careful appreciation and consideration for all who come 
in his sj)here — strictly honest in all the minutie of his business, public 
and private ; the air and bearing of a business man and nothing of the 
politioian— in short a gentleman possessing all the kindness of heart and 
nobility of soul charaetesistic of the true Scotchman that he is. 

He was born in Scotland, in the year 1S24 ; came to New York 
city when a boy, removing from thence to Michigan, and after afew^years 
returning resided in that city until 1849, when he came to Fox Lake, 
Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he lived until his removel to Madison, 
temporarily, about two years since. He has follewed mereantile busi- 
ness most of the time since he came to the State. Until within a few^ 
months had been President of the Bank of Fox Lake for a number of 
years ; was a prominent man in the place, taking an active and leading 
part in all the public enterprises intended to benefit the place and people, 
where he is held in grateful remembrance for his many private as well as 
public acts of beneficence, and his exemplary character as a Christian and 
friend of the people. He has orginated or stimulated many projects for 
the promotion of charity and the caBse of education. He was one of the 
prime movers in establishing the Female College in Fox Lake, and has 
continued one of its best friends in adversity as well as prosperity. 

In 1850 lie was elected to the Assembly from Fox Lake, which was 
the commencement of his more public career. He iserved with sucli u]ii- 
versal satisfaction in tliat capacity that his constituency re-nominated him 
by acclamation the following fail, during his absence from home, though 
• be declined a second election, his private business requiring his undivided 
attention. In 1857 he was elected to the State Senate for 2 years, and 
during this time was appointed one of tho Normal School Regents, and 
has since held the position — now holds it. In 18G3 was elected to the 
Senate a second time. In 18G5 was nominated for State Treasurer, 
and elected ; also again in 1867, when ho served a second term. He 
has ever been a constant and reliable Republican, contributing his means 
and iufluonec to advance the interests of that party, which has so often 
honored him. He has administered the affairs of the Treasurer witli 
ability and to the satisfaction of the entire people. 



BlOGKAPHV. 249 

Such are the meia, after all, who should ^e intrusted with the guid- 
ance of the Ship of State, to steer it clear of the shoals on which so many 
Common wealths have been stranded — the mismanagement of- men of 
brilliant intellects, but corrupt hearts and selfish purpose. Burns, the 
Bard of Scotland, after discribiug the fate of the State under the rule 
of this class of men, sajs it will oulj be safe in the hands of the former, 
and adds : 

''For thus the rojal mandate ran, 
When first the human race began. 
'•The social, friendly, honest man', 

Whate'er he be,' 
"Tis he fulfils great Nature's plan^ 
And none but he !" 
It is generally thought among the Republican party, that Speaker 
Smith will get the nomination for Governor at the nest vacancy. 



LLYWELYN BREESE, Secretary of State. 

(We have the facts of the following brief sketch of the life of one of 
the most worthy citizens of Wisconsin from a personal friend of the sub- 
ject. ) 

LlywelynBreese v/as born atObermynach,Merionet8hire,NorthWales, 
May 13th, 1S3.3. Came to this country at thirteen years of age, (in 1846) 
with his parents, who settled on a farm in Kandoiph, Columbia County, 
in this state. 

His parents and himself being ignorant of any but their own vernac- 
ular language and he being extremely anxious to acquire a knowledge of 
the English, hired out to an American, a farmer and neighbor, and in an 
almost incredibly short period of tune, mastered the English language, 
to that extent, that it was hard to distinguish between him and an Amer- 
ican in speech. But still unsatisfied with this meagre accomplishment 
he went back to his parents with the double object of helping them during 
the summer months, and attending the district school winters. Havnsg 
learned all there was to be learned 'in such schools, he next left home and 
took an academic course, and after finishing the latter returned to his fath- 
ers farm, until 25 years of age. 

In the meantime he held the offices of town supervisor, town treasurer, 
and justice of the peace. In 18-59 he was appointed Under Sheriff of 
Columbia County, which position he held for two years. In ISGO was 
elected Treasurer of his county,,and re-elected in 1862 and in 1864, and 
served ^vith the sreatest satisfaction to his fellow citizens, managing 



250 Biography. 

the finances of the county wfth great ability and success, bringing the 
greatly de2)riciated ''orders" of his county in a short time to par. 

In 18G7 he entered into business relations with the extensive mer- 
cantile firm of N. H. Wood & Co. of Portage City. 

In November 1869 .he was elected Secretary of State, which position 
he now holds. He is a man of strong convictions, and conscientious almost 
to a fault, yet affable and obliging, is industrious and very attentive to 
business, as may be seen by his first annual report to the Legislature. 

His early moral and religious training was of the strict puritan class. 
His parents being exemplary members of theWelsh Calvinistic connection 
and to this circumstance may be traced his own moral and religious con- 
viction. He is universally esteemed by his acquaintances, and particu- 
larly among his numerous countrymen in this State. 



SAMUEL FALLOWS 

was born in Pendleton, near Manchester, England, Dec. 13th, 1835. He 
removed with his parents to Wisconsin July 1848 settling on a farm near 
Marshall, then Birds Ruins in Dane County. 

At this early period in the history of the state, the country was 
sparsely settled and the inhabitants generally were very poor. 

For several years Mr. Fallows worked on his fathers farm attending 
District School or studying alone during the winter season. Without 
any teacher, he began the study of Algebra, and Geometry, and made fair 
progress in them. Books and periodicals were scarce, and often has our 
farmer boy walked ten or twelve miles, to pick up some stray newspaper 
of which he had accidentally heard. 

In his eighteenth year he united with the Methodist Episcopal church 
under the pastoral care of Rev. James Lanson, and immediately beg^in to 
seek a higher education He attended towards the close of the same 
year 1853, the Graded School, then the best in the state at Aztalan, of 
which Prof. N. G. Harvey was Principal. He frequently alludes to the 
intellectual stimulus he received from this faithful and accomplished 
teacher. 

The following year he taught his first District School on Fountain 
Prairie, Columbia Co. The year after he attended the Seminary at Sun 
Prairie, under the charge of Prof. Mason, and entered the preparatory 
Department of the State University at Madison. A portion of the year 
following he attended the Lawrenee University at Appleton. Returning 
to the State University he remained there until his gratluation, 



Biography. ^"^'- 



During his college course he taught several terms in the common 
Schools and served his own town of Medina as Town Superintenden • 
Havino- received licence to preach in the Methodist Episcopal church 
at the age of nineteen, he occasionally officiated in the School houses near 
the University, and in his Junior and Senior years was appointed assistant 
pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at Madison. 

He was also employed by the Faculty during those years as assistant 
Tutor At the beginning of the college course he was compelled for the 
want of means to board himself, and very often carried provisions on his 
back, nineteen miles from his home to the University. In June l^oJ 
he graduated as valedictorian of his class. He was elected Vice Presi- 
dent of the Galesville University immediately after his graduation, and 
remained in charge of that Institution for two years. He then went to 
Harvard University to prosecute his studies in Philology and Philosophy 
but found no Post Graduate class in these branches. Much to his dis- 
appointment, on the recommendation of Prof. Bowen, he purchased^a 
Philosophical Library and returned to Wisconsin. 

He was appointed Pastor of the Methodist church at Oshkosh in the 
fall of 1861 and resigned his pastorate to enter the chaplaincy of the 
3-2nd Wis. Regt. Sept. 1862. Resigning the following year he was ap- 
pointed Pastor of the Methodist church at Appleton, and elected Professor 
of tl^e Lawrence University. 

He was mainly instrumental in organizing the 40th Wis. Regt. 100 
days men, popularly known as the Normal Regt. being composed largely 
of Teachers and Students and was appointed its Lieut. Col. in the Spring 
of 18C4. In January 1865 he was appointed Col. of the 40th Wis. Regt. 
and in October of the-siime year was brevetted Brig. Genl. for meritorious 
services. 

He was mustered out in November and appointed pastor of the Sum- 
mer^eld ohurch in Milwaukee, the leading Methodist church of the state. 
After remaining three years the extent of his ministerial term aeeording to 
the Methodist usage, he was appointed Pastor of the Spring Street church 
in .the same city. During his connection with the latter People one of the 
finest church edifices in Wisconsin was erected. 

In July 1S70 Gen. Fallows at the urgent solicitation of Gov. Fair- 
child accepted the position of State Superintendent of Public Instruction 
made VA^^ant by the death of Hon. A. J. Raig. 

In November of the same year he was elected to the same office for 
the unexpired term, by a large majority running several thousand ahead 
of the Congressional majorities. 

Gen. Fallows has been Regent of the State University for six years. 



•-'o:i 



IjIOGilAPlIY. 



In Jane 1SG7 he was elected Professor of Rhetoric and Logic in the 
State University whicli position was declined. 

On the 9th of April 18G1 he was married to Miss Lucj 13. Hunting- 
ton, daughter of Rev. Wm. P. Huntington of Medina and niece of Bishop 
V. D. Huntington of the Diocese of Central New York. 

The history of this gentleman of many callings is very interesting. 
It will, no doubt, be read with considerable interest. It appears that he 
has proved himself as formidable in the lield as in the pulpit and General 
report gives him the credit of being one of tha best and most eloquent 
preachers in the state. The writer regrets exceedingly, that he did not 
take an opportunity of hearing him. A short acquaintance, however, war- 
rants him, to state, that the subject of this sketch is a gentleman of great 
and versatile talent, capable of accomplishing any reasonable task lie un- 
dertakes. He is generally allowed to be a good man, and his manner is 
perfectly calculated to make him a favorite wherever he is known. The 
Rev. Gentleman is eminently qualified to discharge all the duties of his 
present position. The biography gives the Governor much credit for 
putting the right man in the right place. 



/ 



MATTHEW KEENAN 
was born in'Mantius, New York, January .5th 1S2.5 ; rcoeivod a coniwou 
>chool education ; is by occupation a merchant ; came to Wisconsin iu 
1837, settled at Mihvaukee : was clerk of the circuit court from January 
■1st 1853, to January 1, 1861 ; city assessor in 18G3, '64, '66, and lax 
commissioner in 1869 to 1870; member of the common council for the 
-eventh ward in 1S68 ; Vice President of the Chamber of Commerco, in 
1869 to 1870. He received 639 votes against 405 for William A. Pren- 
tiss, Rep. and was appeinted by Governor Fairchild a member of the 
State visiting committee for 187Q. 

The object of the author in writing this short historical sketch of 
Mr. ^Matthew; Keeuan is not to tell the people of Milwaukee, how he has 
discharged the duties of all the positions he liad oscupied since his advent 
to the city, up to the present time. The author seeks a wider range and 
a higher object. The manner;ia which he has acquitted himself during his 
residence here ; the talent he has displayed ; the purity of his motives in 
every act are too well known to require any notice. Matthew Keenan is 
not an ordinary man.' His success through life and the high estimation in 
which he is held by all wiiaknow him are the best proofs, (if proofs were 
required) that honesty is the best policy. The subject of this sketch has 
not raised himself to his present position, as a public man, by thebrilancy 



BioGUAPiiv. 253 

of his eloqueaee, oi- bj the the knowledge displayed by him of the politi- 
cal mechanism of electioneering, wire-pulling, etc. etc. Mr. Keeuan is 
an honost man. He is a good agreeable speaker ; ever cautious not to 
lose sight of hia subject by loftly flights into the (sometimes misty) re- 
gions of Oratory. He arranges his subject methodically ;• reasons logi- 
cally, and derives just and satisfactory conclusions. In his arguments, he 
nerer begs the question, nor asks a favor from his apponent without con- 
vincing proof founded on acknowledged principles. He ig never at a loss 
for a word, nor does he ever use a sentence not necessary to enforce his 
argument. He has not had much practice in publie speaking, and is, 
therefore, guided more by great caution, a full knowledge of his subject, 
and unflinching honesty of purpose, than by a self confidence in the fiipp- 
ancey of his tongue. Matth. Keenan possesses all the attribute of a 
good and useful man. He is an honest man, and "an honest man is the 
noblest work of God." 

Honesty is the cardinal virtue to which all the other are subordinate. 
An honest man necessarily possesses many", if not all, the subordinaie 
cardinal virtues, but a dishonest man should get no credit for the exercise 
of all the minor virtues, as the act has some hidden self interests. The 
writer values honesty so highly, and hates dishonesty so intensely, that 
he may possibly be carried beyond proper bounds or the bounds of reality 
upon the subject. A thief may sometimes run considerable risk to save 
the life of a drowning man. An Irish cow and sheep stealer ^s said to 
be ia the habit of dividing his prey among his poor and famishing neigh- 
bors. The intelligent reader will easily know the writers meaning. If 
Mr. Keenan had not been strictly, honest and free from 'malpractices, 
while serving as Clerk of the Circuit Court, City Assessor, and Tax Com- 
missioner, he would not have been listened to with such silent attention or 
his opinion be regarded with such weight, as the writer witnessed during 
the last session of the legislature at Madison. His kindly disposition, in- 
ostentatious manner, good talent, and above all, his general character will 
in time, place him in a position which he docs not, at presant, perhaps 
contemplate. The City or County should never dispense with his ser- 
vices, as a public officer. 



ANDKEW MULLEN. 
The subject of this short sketch was born in the County Mayo, L'e- 
land, where he left in early infancy ; got the rudements of education 
in Bt. John's Academy, Albany, New York. He removed, to "Wisconsin 



« 



254 BiooR,\i'HY, 

about thirty years ago, and therefore claims tu bo an old settler. Un- 
like tlie Majority of liis countrymen, he has no taste or desire to take any 
active part in politics, and therefore never held any public position, ex- 
cept that of School Commissioner for two terms, and member of the ]>oard 
of Directors of the Young Men's Association for two years ; is nov/ head 
of the firm Mullen Brothers, Wholesale dealers in Cloths &c., No. 384 
East Water Street. An opportunity of acquiring an academical educa- 
tion at a suitable age, did not present itself, but what he was denied by op- 
portunity, he supplied by self exertion at the proper time. 

Nature was very propitious to him, having bestowed upon him all the 
attributes that constitute the gentleman, and blessed him with many fine 
personal qualities calculated to gain him respect and raise his character. 

For a man of business, Mr. Mullcji is a good speaker, and possesses 
very good conversational powers. He is gentle and aff"able ; friendly and 
agreeable ; well mannered and courteous ; All his acts, as a business 
man, are guided by strict honesty of purpose, and a scrupulous regard to 
all the established rules laid dov/u for the guidance of mercantile com- 
munities — ever careful and watchful to meet all his liabilities with punc- 
tuality. It is by means of those personal qualities, that Mr. Mullen has 
built up a good trade in fifteen years not only in this state, Init also in 
Minnesota, where his house is well known. 



Rev. henry W. SPALDING D. D. 

was born at Rochester, N. Y., April 14. 1832, eldest son of Rev. 
Erastus Spalding, for many years an able and faithful clergyman of West- 
ern New Y^ork. 

Graduated at Hobart College, Seneca, New York, in 1855. 
Came to Milwaukee in tlic same year, and accepted a position in the public 
schools where he remained for nearly six years in charge of the sixth ward 
school as principal. Prosecuting his studies for the ministry under the charge 
of the Rev. J. P. T. Ingraham. In 1858 and 1859 he was ordained by 
Bishop Kemper to the deaconite, and took charge of the Mission Church 
of the Atonement in Milwaukee. From- this place he went to Janesville, 
immediately after his ordination to the Priesthood by Bishop Kemper 
in i860, and took charge of the New Parish of Christ Church, when he 
built up a church, and gathered a flourishnig congregation. After re- 
maining hero five years he traveled a year in the interest of Racine Col- 
lego, and then went to Whitewater, and from there to Evansville, Ind. 



Biography. 255 

where he remained three years, and labored successfully. His health 
failing he accepted a call to Madison in this State where he now is. Mr. 
Spalding has labored muoh as a missionary and places now his parishes 
Mr. Spalding has three brothers in the ministry. In July 1870, he re- 
ceived from Sis collego at Seneca the degree of Doctor in Divinity. 

Dr. Spalding has established a high character for himself, as a clergy- 
man. He is represented as a very good preacher and untiring in hirt ex- 
ertions to promote the cause of religion and every good work ealeulated 
to raise the standard of his parish in religion and morality. He has built 
a very handsome church recently, and has succeeded iu collecting a large 
congregation. 



Rev. JOHN B. PRADT, A M. 

was bora June 26th, 1810, in Winehester, Cheshire Co., New Hamp- 
shire. His father was a skillful physician and surgeon, and was remotely, 
of Franco-Grerman descent. His mother had been a successful school- 
teacher, and, was of English-Irish descent. The son commenced the study 
of Latin at the age of seven, was fitted for college at twelve, and was edu- 
cated principally under private tutors. At the age of seventeen he com- 
menced the study of law,' with Hon. Horace Boxter of Bellows Falls, Vt. 
After reading law two years, he read theology, with Bishop Carlton Chase 
of New Hampshire, and Bishop J. H. Hopkins of Vermont, and was 
ordained by the latter in 1838. He has served as clergyman of the Prot. 
Epis. Church, in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, 
Has taught common district schools four winters, private schools, four 
terras ; an academy iu Pennsylvania one year and one term, and the 
Sheboygan (Wis.) High School one year. Was county superintendent 
of Potter county, Penn. one year and a half, in 1855 and 1S56 ; editor of 
the "Wisconsin Journal of Education" five years, 1860 to '65, and has 
been co-editor of the same since January 1st 1871; was President of the 
Wisconsin State Teachers Association in 1861, and has made seven addres- 
ses and reports to that body. Was Examiner of "Normal Classes, (in 
Wisconsin) iu 1864. Has been Assistant StaCo Superintondent, in Wis- 
consin, since January 1st 1868, having been appointed to that place by 
Hon^ A. J. Craig, late Superintendent of Public Instruction. Was 
appointed to the Principalship of the first "Normal School in Pennsylvania 
in 1856, whioh he declined, having made arrangements to move to Wis- 
eonsin. Is an Honorary Gradute (A. M.), of Racine College, of 1858. 



256 Biography. 

• 

GEORGE Q. ERSKINE, 
was born in the village of Winchester, New Hampshire, Dee. loth 1827. 
Emif^ratod to Oswego County, New York, with his fathers family whoi 
five years old. Received a good academical educatioa at M^ico Academy 
io said County at the ag» of sixteen commeneed teaching a portion of 
the year. In the spring of 1850 went to California by way of tlio Isthmus 
of Darien. llsmamed in the gold mines one yo^r and a half, then return- 
ed to his home and commenced reading law in the Office of Iliggins and 
French at Mosicoville, Oswego Co. In the fall of 1852 emigrated to 
Racine, Wis., and resumed reading law in the Office of Doolittle and 
Caeg. Was admitted to i:)ractiee law in 1853. In 1855commeneed opov- 
ating in timber land, Vessels, Cord V/ood, (Contracting Wood largely at 
different times with Racine Rail Road Co.) also engaged in manufaeturing 
and shipping brick to Chicago. Has hold the Office of Superintendent 
of 'Schools, Town Supervisor, was member of the Wisconsin Legislature 
during the Winter of 1S65 and 18G6. In April 1867 he was appointed 
Collector of Internal Revenue for the first District of ^IS'isconsm which 
Office he now holds. 

General report gives the subject of this sketch the credit of having 
discharged his duty faithfully in every office he has occupied. Mr. 
Erskine is peculiarly adapted to fiUa public office. His general character 
is beyond reproach and his manner most gentlemanly —always obliging 
and ready to answer all enquiries on business in such a manner as to im- 
press the public with a favorable opinion of him as a public officer. 

ASHE R. H NICHOLS, an old settler 
was born at Brimfield, Maas., March 9th 1815; received a common ■ 
school education ; was first engaged as carriage manufacturer, came to 
Milwaukee in 1836, where he remained till June 1837 ; then went to 
Rock River, now Watertown and settled on 160 acres of Goverment land 
where he remained working the farm for a lime, working at the carpenter 
business occasionally; buying and selling produce &e., was Deputy pro- 
vost Marshal for Jefferson county, during the war, was Superintendent of 
the poor of Jefferson County three years. In 1867 he built a stave factory 
and manufactured flour barrels at Kaukauha. He ran this for one year 
when it burned up, 

Built the same factories in 1838 and a saw mill, which he ran till 
1870, and theo sold it and came to Milwaukee, where he keeps a boar^j, 
ing house at No. 483 Main Street. 

Mr. Nichols house is not inferior to any in the city or state as regards 
attendance or table kept. 

Mr. Nichols has six grown up sons all able to provide for themselves, 
his third Son John baring a good taste for literature. 



OK "Wisconsin. 257 

There is no country tluit I know of where skille.l anil unskilled labor 
are so much on a par, as regar.ls wages, as in America ; arising partly 
from the practice of attempting to do every handscraft work without any 
previous training, and partly from the vast amount of manual labor to be 
done in the country, re<iulring physical strength. The circumstances of 
every country regulate the wages of skilled as well as of unskilled labor. 
In Ireland, uiiskiUed labor is inaderiuately rewarded, while professional skill 
is highly rewarded. This arises partly from the vast amount of labor in 
the maiket, as compared with the limited demand. No one feels more the 
justice of paying woll for labor than I do, and as there is no country in 
the world where such high wages are paid for unskilled labor as in the 
Western States, there is no country where less reason exists for those 
strikes for higher wages, which we so frequently road of, among persons 
employed on public works. Convinced that freedom of action and free- 
dom of labor are osseiitial to industrial progress, I regret to read of 
frequent recurrences of strikes among laborers and tradesmen. Such con- 
duct is destructive to the interests of the employers and the employed. 
Every man, no doubt, has a perfect right to set upon his labor whatever 
value he thinks proper ; his labor is his own property, and, therefore he has 
a right to demand as much for it as he pleases, and should he not ob- 
tain what he demands, he has a perfect right to refuse a lower offer, and 
remain -iillo ; but he has no right to control others. If others think 
proper to offer their labor for half what he demands for his, they liave a 
perfect right to do so, and he has no right whatever to control them. As 
well as bo has a right to demand a certain sum for his labor, so has the 
employer an equal right to refuse to pay it, if he thinks it is not his inter- 
est to do so. This is just the relation that exists between the employer and 
the working man. The employer, of course, must have profit on the 
labor of the working man, for which he ought to feel pleased ; and the 
wao-es agreed upon between the contracting parties ought to be received 
by the workmen with thankfulness, as that is his i)rofit upon the contract. 
The history of industrial labor in America is full of revelting scenes, 
riots and bloodshed among laborers, which are really disgraceful, and 
equally destructive to the best interests of all concerned. Though the 
employer is injured perhaps to a large extent, yet his wealth can bear it, 
and he ultimately starves the poor workman into submission. The gen- 
eral progress oflegitimate industry opposes these disorderly strikes. If 
an employer shows a disposition to cut down wages below a level incom- 
patible with the well-being of those he employs, seeking only his own 
private interest, they have a right to meet and remonstrate, but not to 
command or control, or coerce, public opinion, and the rules which govern 
the trade will brinf him to a sense of his duty ; otherwise the workmen 

17 



258 Industiual Iiesouhcks 

had bettor look out iur a kinder employer, und lie must sink under bis 
own inconsiderate conduct. I never knew an employer to succeed who 
had no sympathy for those he employed, nor do I recollect to have 
seen the ring-leader in a strike overburdened with a stock of common 
sense, or persevering industry. A mutual feeling of good will should sub- 
sist between the employer and the emplojcd. They should have no 
sepai'ate interest. They ought to form but one joint stock compau}', the 
capital invested by the employer being cash, and that of the employer la- 
bor— wdiich is the source of all Avealth, 

I would say that an increase in rents and the prices of provision 
ought to induce the emplo3'cr, of his o^Yn accord, to increase the wages of 
the workman, if the profit of his business could at all afford it. In times 
of unusual scarcity, the employer should and ought to increase the wages, 
so as to keep the working man and his family from actual want, regard- 
less of his usual profits. But as the real friend of tlie working man, I 
would recommend to regulate the price of labor by mutual consent of both 
parties. In no case would I recommend a strike, as the experience of 
ages proves that it is destructive to both parties. In ordinary times the 
demand and supply ought to regulate the price of labor like every other 
taleable article. By demanding too high a price for labor, the employer 
has only two alternatives — either to stop working altogether, or remove 
so another place, by which thohc who subsist by labor must either starve 
or seek for employment elsewhere. This is an unpopular subject, but my 
anxiety to serve the working man induces me, even at the risk of render- 
ing myself unpopular, to give an advice which T am confident is for his 
good. 

I cannot dismiss this subject without alluding to another subject, 
equally foolish. I mean those factiousfights that take place on the public 
works of this country and Canaia, between Irishmen, and those without 
any cause more than that one party were born in the south, and the other 
in tbe north of Ireland — because a river, or mountain, or perhaps a road 
separates them — because one man calls himself a Corkonian, and another 
a Fardowner. Scarcely a week passes without a notice of some foolish 
exhibition, often requiring the interference of the military to prevent loss 
of life and limb, which is frequently the result of these quarrels, growing 
out of mere names having no reference to any real occurrence on which to 
found a cause of quai-rcl. When will, the common sense of Irishmen 
point ©ut the folly and disgrace of such ridiculos conduct? 

It is rather singular how lal)or divides itself among the jiopulation of 
America, which is composed of native Americans and the natives of every 
country in Europe. The Germans and Irish make good farmers, and 



ot >■ iscox^iN '269 

wliea once .settled down, it retjuires strong i'Kluceuicuts to teaipt them to 
remove ; but an American is isueli a locomotive, from an instinctive love 
of travelling about, that the smallest inducement iield out to him at the 
most distant point of the Union, will be sufficient to set him out on his 
journey at the shortest notice. Most of the Americans devote themselves 
to trade or cjuimerce of some kind — they seldom work at hardlaborr. In 
towns and suburbs, the Grermans saw \ip wood auil raise garden vegeta- 
bles ; the Irish grade the street^, cany the liod, repair and build roads, 
and perform all sucli works as recjuirc the use of t!ie .'^piide and shovel; 
the working American brings the axe into requisition, which he wields 
with a dexterity peculiarly bis own ; and the poor coloied man confines 
himst-lf almost exciusivcly to tlie razor and white-wash l)rush he also at- 
tends table and acts as steward on board of vessels. 

I have before intimated that labor brings a higher price here then in 
any part of the known world, wliile in Ireland it brings less. Therefore 
as long as this great disparity continues to exist, so long emigration will 
continue to flow from that country to this. This inducement, apart from 
the lowprice of land here, as compared with the high price there, will induce 
farmers to seek permanent homes in this country, in preference t.j remain 
where they never could expect to have a permanent interest in the soil, 
being always doomed to work and toil for others, as mere tenants at will. 

But while these inducements are amply sufficient to warrant* the farm- 
er, the laborer, and the mechanic to come and settle on the broad fields 
of America, I would emphatically say tliat this country iiolds out no in- 
ducement whatever to any other class not amply supplied with capital- 
One having money can realize more by it here than in Knglandor Ireland, 
wether he lays it out on interest or puts it into business. But, to prevent 
dis apoiiitment .to respectable persons seeking employment as clerks, 
teachers, engineers, lawyers, or tlie like, it is my duty to tell them that 
they had better remain at home. Every working man will improve his 
condition by leaving Ireland and coming here. The Irish laborer is well 
adapted to the laborious work of this country. When he is well fed on 
good American fare, he proves himself to possess a greater share nf animal 
power than perhaps any other foreigner to be met with here. 

As connected with the subject of labor, I might nieutidu that uned- 
ucated brute force can eff"ect but little, as compared with the same aniuunt 
of power under the guidance of scientific skill. Unaquainted with the 
strength of materials ; the properties of the arch; the laws of gravity ; 
the properties of light, magnetism, electricity, and of fire, air and water, 
in all their modified forms, how could the engineer achieve all the wonders 
which are multiplying around us every day ? 



2GU Industkial Eesources 

I could multiply instances iiiiiutiienililo to sliow that overytliing greut 
is the result of educatctl labor, and that nu work ot" iiiagnitudo was ever 
the result of brute force, unassisted by scientific skill. Henco the necess- 
ity of a scientific edMcation — an education of every day use. This educa- 
tion will economize animal force, by the substitution of machinery, which 
works under the guidance of mind, dispensingalmost altogether with brute 
force. 

AVo Iiavi^ illustrations of this fact in [Milwaukee Win. Hawkins, of 
Milwaukee, has invented a stave machine, which makes from 5000 to 
8OOO staves in ten hours. It takes a rough stave, as it comes to market, 
planes it, hollows it into shape levels the edges, makes the grooves for 
the head, and turns it out ooraplcte, ready to be set up in a barel. AVe 
have, in ^lilwaukcc, a tub manufactory — seven men are employed to at- 
tend the macliinery, and these seven men, l)y the assistance of machinery, 
complete four hundred tubs in ten working hours, with handles and hoops, 
and perfectly polished. Unassisted by the use of this simple machinery, 
all the coopers in England could not turn out a tub made with the same 
det^ree of mathematical accuracy, as any one of these. This is not the 
result of brute force, but of mind. A rocking-chair is manufactured in 
l^osto.i, beautiful in appearance, strong and pernrinent in all its parts 
well painted, ornamented and varnished, and sold for the small sum of 
1^5.00 -all tha result of machinery — the creation of mind, the child of 
necessity, and the consequence of dear labor. In England, such a chair 
could not be sold for §10 so as to give the maker a fair profit, and the 
journeyman fair wages. The shbstitutionof wooden pegs, made by machin- 
ery, for the thread, effects a saving of time and labor to the shoemaker, 
which enables him to sell boots at low prices. AV'indow shades and doors 
made by machinery are sold here at a price so low as to enable the poor- 
est man to enjoy the light of heaven and keep out the cold. Waggon and 
carriage wheels are made here with great dexterity ; the farmers have 
wooden axletrees, which bear a weight varying from one to three tons. 
Many of four wheeled carriages have wooden axles, made of hickory, which 
last for a long time. The farmer furnishes his ample waggon with springs 
made of the same material. Everything, almost, in couimon use here, 
ia characterized by expedition and cheapness. Economy of labor is carr- 
ied into every department of industry, even to the very scrubbing of the 
floor. 

It would be well if many of these contrivances and the general mode of 
using them here were adopted in the old country. The gearing of the 
saw mills here is very simple and effective. The work done as great, as 
compared with the work of a saw mill in any part of Europe. The inr 
plements of husbandry are light, and exceedingly Avell suited to their res- 



OF Wisconsin. '261 

pcctive uses. I do not like the dumpy plough, but no other could bo 
used among the stumps. The very axe and its handle are iudicative of 
contrivance and adaptation. In some of the tailoring establislunents, 
iKachinery is used to sew the garments, which duty it accomplishes -witli 
unerring accuracy. A good frame or log house is erected in this country 
with a degree of expedition of which few in the old country have an idea. 
The architectural style is rather handsome, and v\'ell suited to the climate, 
and the exis'ting condition of the country where nothing is made with a 
view to permanency — economy of time, labor ami expense, governing everj' 
opei'atiou 

Keturning again to the suljjoct of nnproveraent in machinery, witli 
a view to shorten labor, I might observe that the patent laws of America 
are favorable to the progress of mechanical invention. The exorbitant 
price of manual labor sets every one, who has to pay for work, a-giing to 
invent cheaper modes, b}' the introduction of machinery ; and the small 
sam it costs to seeiu\< the riglit of any invention, by patent, is a;i add- 
itional stimulous to mental exertion. Thousands of useful inventions are 
lost to the world in conscijuence of the unreasonable sums demanded by 
the laws of England for securing to the inventor his right by patent. 
Nothing could be more unreasonable than to tax a man with a view to 
prevent others to appropriate his property to their use. Tlie law which 
protects au}' other description of property should extend to mechanical 
invention and copyriglit. The patent laws of England have a direct ten- 
dency te check the progress of improvement, by taxing inventive genious 
so heavily as to render it imposible in most cases for the individual to pay 
the sum demanded to secure his right. But in America, a v/iscr policy 
is pursued. Tlie small sum demanded to secure to the inventor the jirofits 
arising from his inventions, induces every one to secure his right even in 
the most trilling article which bears testimony to his ingenuity. This ac- 
cessible privilege has the happy effect of accomplishing an amoum. of la- 
bor which otherwise, under t!ie existing conditions of the country, would 
be impossible. The scarcity of hands and tlie conset|uent high price of la- 
bor demand that the law should protect mechanical inventions in this 
country ; a&, without these mechanical contrivances in small matters of 
every day use, the price of labor would bear, by fur, too high a proportion 
to the profits of the employer. Indeed, at present, the price of labor is 
not warranted by the profits in many branches of industrial pursuits. 
The price paid for lai)or liy the farmer some time ago was more than he 
could afford ; but the influx of labor from the old country will remedy 
this in due time. In a settled state ofsociety, nothing is more to be de- 
sired than to see the- masses receiving high wages and eat clieap food, but 
in a new country like this, composed, as it is, of persons Avithont rauch 



262 Industrial Eksources 

capital, the use of uiaekinory to v/ork and cheapen labor is indesponsabla. 
We, therefore, ought to look upon the influx of foreign labor, not as an 
intrusion, but as a boon. In tlie same light should Ave view tlie intro- 
duction amongst us of men of .science, and literature, and art, and 
invention. 



CHArTEIl XL 



From all the facts stated in the foregoing pages, and from the temper- 
ature, a.s indicated by the thermometer in different parts of the State, we 
can draw inferences indicative of what the climate may be in the course 
of time, under altered circumstances, as well as describe its present con- 
dition. The chief moditier of climate, and the agencies that exercise the 
greatest influence, are evaporation aud condensation of water, whose in- 
fluence is felt in Wi-sconsin to a very high degree. The heavy dews, pec- 
uliar to the Lake districts, tend to etjualize the temperature of the nights, 
so that the cold mornings, so common in the Middle and Western States, 
(far removed from large bodies of water,) during tlie summer months, 
are unknown in the lake districts, the amount of calorie envolvcd in con- 
densing the vapor exhaled in the early parts of the night, rendering the 
mornings mild and plea.sant. Clouds and mists modify the climate con- 
siderably, obstructing, as they do, the caloric radiated from the surface 
during the night, and reflecting it back to the earth. Clouds and mists 
prevail in the neighborhood of large bodies of water more than in. dry 
localities, where caloric is radiated, during the night, into space, unob- 
structed by clouds, to reflect any part of it back, and causing cool mor- 
nings, in summer. Hence we see why the temperature of the lake region 
is modified in winter by the cloudy state of the atmosphere, which in 
summer tends to obstruct the passage of the sun's rajs, and, tlicreby, keep 
the atmosphere cool. In the process of freezing water, a great quantity 
of heat is evolved, and while employed in the process of melting ice, a 
vast quantity remains latent ; therefore, we are not surprised that our 
great lakes tend to modify tlie range of tiie tliermonieter, lessening the 
cold in winter, and the heat in summer. This is illustrated by a refer- 
ence to the mean temperature at Fort Howard, on Green Bay, and Fort 
Snelliiig, on the Mississippi : 

Latitude. Main T. Wint'r. Sum'r. Eange of Ther. 

• ii'j;. ai II. 'I'.'s'. 1:1. li. lie,'. in:i;. d S- min. .le.'. deg. 

Fort Howard, 40.40 44.3 20,5 07.7 — 16 t 1)9 

Fort Snellinir, 44.53 44.^ lG.3 72 — 23 t 115 



OK Wisconsin. 263 

This table shows that during tlio wintei- the Diean temperature of 
Fort Howard is higher than at Fort Snellina-, but that during the sum- 
mer it is lower, showing that tlie ])roximity of the large lakes equalize the 
temperature, while, at a distance from such collections, the extremes of 
heat and cold arc more distant, but the annual temperature is nearly the 
same. Latitude has less influence on climate than is generally supposed ; 
for instance, the mean temperature of Fort Brady is nearly two degrees 
lower than at Fort Williams, though the latter post is nearly one degree 
farther north. The difference arises from the fact that Keweenaw Point 
is bounded on three sides by water. On account of the insular position 
of Ireland, the extremes of heat and cold are not felt. 

Though parts of Ireland arc much farther north tjian parts of France, 
yet the winter in the former country is not near so cold as in the latter, 
nor the summer so warm. The influence exercised by a cloudy atmos- 
phere arises considerably from the known fact that the force of radiation 
from the earth into spaece increases as we proceed northward, and also 
with increased elevation above the level of the sea. This last element 
(latitude) exercis«s considerable influence in lowering the temperatnre ; 
hence it is that the tops of high mountains in low latitudes are covered 
with snow, wliile the intensity of the heat at the bottom is almost insup- 
portable. Independently of latitude, the direction and form of mountain 
ranges have a creat share in adding to, or mittiiratino; tlie ri^or of, a 
climate. 

From these konwn principles, tlie outline of the general features of 
Wisconsin wouhl enal)le us to form an opinion of its climate. The 
contour of the country .shows that a free passage is afforded to the north- 
west wind's across the State, which is the coldest we ever experience, and 
especially when it passes over tlie middle and Mississippi region, where 
its course is unbroken, except by the forests extending in a westerly di- 
rection from the headwaters of the 8t. Croix, as far as the government 
surveyors had extended their labors. When the winds blew from any of 
the large lakes, they are a good deal tempered from causes before men- 
tioned. Sandy plains are colder then forest lands, on account of the for- 
mer possessing greater radiating power. Hence it is that the north winds 
passing over Lake Superior, and descending upon the region south of the 
water shed, are rendered comparatively mild, even iu the mid-winter, un- 
til reaching the sandy regions, where the temperature is considerably 
lowered before they reach the country farther south, giving to it a more 
excessive climate. 

In winter the north-east and east winds are greatly modified, while in 
summer, the south west winds, passing, up the valley of the Mississippi, 
and deflected east by the western chains of high lands and mountains, 



264 Inddutrial Resources 

are both temperate and liealthfu]. In the middle and southern parts of 
Wisconsin, the northern breezes tend to cool down the air, and the same 
effect is produced by the southern winds, whicli arc frcjuently accom- 
panied by rain. The vast number of small lakes dotting the north-west 
portion of Wisctiisin tend considerably to abate the excessive heat of 
mid-summer and modify the cold of winter, l)at not in tlie same degree, 
as they are covered with ice during a considerable portion of the winter 
season. The same observation applies to the swampy lauds. 

Tlie sandy regions of the State are warmer in the summer than those 
resting on a clayey soil, owing, in part, to the reflecting power of the sand. 
Every wind unac-companied by rain, except the north-west, contributes to 
increase the heat of summer, modified, howevi^r, by the configuration of 
the country, and other circumstances . Naked rocks, sandy plains, dense 
forests, extensive prairies, large bodies of water, large rivers, numerous 
lakes, elevated range, c\:c.. exercise no small influence in forming climates. 
1 have been able to survey in the forest for a whole day, without gloves, 
when 1 could not venture to do so on the j>rairie, witii almost any (|uantity 
of clothing consistent with a working condition. 

The springs are colder in the lake regions th;;u farther iu-lanu, in 
consequence of the volume of caloric rendered latent in the jirocess of 
melting tlic ice and snow, whenever they accumulate during tlie winter. 
This, of course, retards vegetation, but when spring opeirs, the danger to 
which early vegetation is exposed, in the middle and far-western States, 
from sudden alterations of temperature, is altogether unknown in the 
northern parts of Wisconsin. Though tlic springs are later in the north- 
ern parts of Wisconsin than in the middle and southern parts, ye: the 
crops are not much later. 

Throughout all "Wisconsin, the M-inters are dry, the air l»racing and 
invigorating, and the sky generally free from clouds. In frosty weather 
there is seldom much wiiid. To all these conditions of the atmosphere, I 
attribute the absence of that uncomfortable cold feeling often experienced 
in much more southern latitudes. I felt colder in Ireland, in winter, with 
the thermometer several degrees above 'zoro, then in this State, with the 
thermometer ranging from ten to thirty degrees below zero. A laborer 
works out doors liere in liis shirt sleeves, under a degree of cold which 
could not be endured in England or Ireland, it is only in April and May, 
when the thermometer rises, that I felt any sensatioa of cokb owing, no 
doubt, to the quantity of moisture in the atmosphere during those months. 
It is not easy to distinguish by sensation the difference between the posi- 
tive effects of the pretty high, and the negative of the very low, tliermo- 
metric scale. If you handle a piece of iron in very frosty weather, it will 
blister your finger as quickly as a hot iron ; tliC trigger of a gun will 



OF Wisconsin. -"" 

speedily blister the fingers, and a jack-knife iu the breeches pocket will 
make one jump .s with a sudlen scald. la fact, the Bensation of a pretty 
high positive degree of heat, and of a large negative degree, (which we 
call cold,) is th,o same, when the atmosphere is dry. 

There is much more clear weather in the middle and southern por- 
tions of Wisconsin than in the States farther south, and more cloudy 
weather in the northern parts of the state than in the south. Ou^ ac- 
count of the large bodies of water and extent of forest in the northern 
parts of the state, more rain actually falls there than iu the ^southern 
portions, the evaporation being more copious from the lakos an(. lorests. 
Evaporation irom the foliage of the forest tends to keep the atmosphere 
in a humid state, while the direct rays of the sun are intercepted preven- 
tino- evaporation from the earth. Hence it appears that a forest has a ten- 
dency to eciualize the temperature of a climate, preventing thoseextre^ne de. 
grecs of heatand cold which arefelt in an open, unprotected country. Lieva- 
Ted prairies and sandy plains have a drier atmosphere than forests, Ifut 
the diiference of temperature between day and night, and between sum- 
mer and winter is greater. 

The temperature of the strean.s flowing into Lake Superior, as cam- 
pared with that of the tributaries of the Mississippi, proves the ehect of a 
northern, as compared with that of a southern aspect. Ihougn many of 
these tributaries take their rise from the same lake or swamp .yet the 
difference of their temperature, even at a small distance from the>r com- 
mon source, is astonishing. The mean temperature, of two countnes may 
be equal, and still the climates may be quite different. . One country may 
enjoy very hot summers, and endure very cold winters, the mean temper- 
ature of which n.ay equal the mean temperature of a moderate eamate, 
neither too hot nor too cold. And though the mean temperature of two 
climates may be equal, yet their affect upon vegetation and health may 
be very different. The climate nf Ireland clothes her with a rich and 
lively mantle of everlasting verdure, but is too cold to ripen the grape, 
or bring a squash to maturity ; while parts of America, having the same 
mean annual temperature, produce and ripen these to the greatest perfec- 
tion, the heat of summer being sufficiently intense for that purpose, but the 
intensity of the winter culd so great as to destroy all traces of vegetation. 
Hence the necessity of knowing the annual temperature of a country to 
form an opinion of its agriculture capabilities, so far as climate is con- 



cernect 



From the preceeding remarks, we may easily conceive why the dif- 
ference between the winter and spring is greater in Wiscensin than it is 
in the midland States, and also, why the difference between spring and 



•JGG Industrial Uesourcks 

.summer, and suiiimor and autumn is not so great in ^Viscon'si^, especially 
In tlie lake regions, as in the middle States. 

Vegetation, as a general thinir, is a true index of climate and tem- 
j)erature. This is proved hy the remarkable coineidonee bet\v een the 
vegetation of Alpine districts, as you ascend, and the middle latitudes 
northwards. The relation between this ascending forest vegetation, and 
the distribution of trees over the temperate and frigid zones, as you travel 
northwards, is so striking that it may be considered as a universal law, 
modified, liowever, by those influences which constitute the contrasting 
peculiarities of distant shores, differently jjosited as regards aspect. In 
ascending from the vine-producing plain to the toi» of the snow-capped 
mountain, we pass in the course of a single day tlirough several zones 
varying in temperature and forest productions. In ascending the Alps, 
in. Switzerland, a dift'erence in vertical elevation of three hundred feet will 
produce a change of 1 deg. Fahrenheit in tlie mean annual temperature ; 
tlierefore, a journey to the top, say of six thousand feet, will produce a 
difference in tlie mean annual temperature of '20 deg. Fahrenheit. The 
temperature at the foot of tlie Al})s is similar to that in latitude fifty de- 
grees north ; and as we travel towards the north, a diminuation of one 
degree in the temperature takes place f< r every sixty miles ; therefore, 
we should travel over twelve hundrcil miles north from the 40th degree of 
north latitude before experiencing the same climatic changes, as in travel- 
ling from the foot of tlio Alps to a higlit of six thousand fe<!t, which may 
be done in one day. From tlie influenei! of climate on furest vegetation, 
and from the facts above stated, it follows that a narrow, horizontal zone 
of Alpine flora corresponds to a broad zone of northern vegetation, 
stretching over an extended plain. Trees that grow well at the foot of 
an Alpine region will disappear as you ascend to a liiglier zone, v,-Iiich 
will be occupied by otliers of a different s>jeci(.'S ; and trees that susceed 
well under the genial influence of the sun in a low latitmle, will altogether 
disappear in a higli latitude, whicli will ultimately be wliolly occupied by 
pine and birch forests, corresponding exactly with the growth of liigh re- 
gions in Alpine districts. 

From the connection between climate and vegetation, we are not to 
be suprised at the geographical distribution of plants. Animal life, too, 
having the full power (jf locomotion, seems to be confined within geo- 
grajjhical limits, showing an intimate connection between organized ex- 
istence and the external world. This is fully illustrated hj the fact that 
certain tribes of fishes are confined to limited oceanic zones, never being 
found farther north or south. The parallel between elevation, (as illus- 
trated alinve in fnrest vegetation,) seems to be carried out in the animal 



OK Wisconsin. 267 

kin^-iloii!. Tlie shells and HsIk's foiind in the head waters of larsc rivers 
are scarcely ever the same as those inhabitine; their middle or lower 
course ; sliowing that certain elevations above the surface of the ocea" 
are distinguished by distinct groups. These' groups are said to be identi- 
cal with the inhabitants of fresh water lakes occupying zones of equal 
temperature ; which shows that the same law which regulates the geo- 
graphical distribution of plants is strictly obeyed in the disiribution of 
animal life, modified, however, by local circumstances, such as suitable 
food and other elements essential to their well-being. Similar exceptions 
may be made to the law of geographical distribution in the vegetable 
kingdom. The lepidosteus is found in the St. Lawrence, in Lake Ontario, 
Erie, and Mud Lake, in Lake St. Clair and Michigan, but never ven- 
twvos as far nortlj as Lake Superior, though there is no natural barrier to 
prevent it. In the open sea, which presents no natural barrier to marine 
animals })Ossessing powerful locomotion, the same law of geographical dis- 
tribution seems to be obeyed, ])y confining distinct tribes within certain 
limits. 

Land animals, perfectly unrestrained, seem to classify themselves in- 
to families, which are confined Avithin certain geographical limits. Those, 
however, under the control ofinan, are made to adapt themselves to nu- 
merous varied circumstances, extending far beyond the natural limits pre- 
scribed to them in their wild state. 

We derive additional evidence from the migration of birds, to show 
that in the plan of creation, animals arc intentcd to be located within cer- 
tain limited boundaries. Birds wander at the approach of winter into 
temperate climates, but are never known to pass from the northern to the 
southern hemispliere. Those birds which go south from the Arctic region 
are sure to return at regular stated seasons. Fishes, also, which migrate 
at the approach of the spawning season, never fail to return to their for- 
mer abodes. This desire of living within limited native boundaries, im- 
presses me with the conviction that animals in general were intended to 
live where they were created, man is an exception; and those animals under 
th.e influence of man, may be adduced as another, but not with equal 
propriety, as the change of place is not a voluntary act on their part, but 
rather the result of artificial restraint or education. At the discovery of 
the most distant island in the ocean, it is generally found inhabited by 
some animal dissimilar, perhaps, in character, to any other known to na- 
turalists, or agreeing, in many of its leading characteristics, with others 
at a distance, but not in all. If no other in the world be like the isolated 
inhabitant of the island, how came it there ? Did it leave its native coun- 
try and travel land and water over thousands of miles to seek a home in 



2G8 Industkial Eesources 

adesolate island, leaving no other of its kind behind / This is absurd, and, 
to say the least of it, most improbable. I would be iiicli)ied ,to the 
opinion that the animal had been created in the region where it was found. 
I would rather incline to the opinion, that tho Ka!:,ii'aru<j was created where 
it is foun<l. 

Were I to consult ni}- own inclination, I should pursue this sub- 
ject to some length ; but as I onh' mean to throw out a few hints showing 
how closely tlie habits, well-being and physiology of plants and animals 
are conneetvd with, and dependent on, climate, L confine myself to the 
statement of ascertained facts, derived from the researches ofuiodern u'lt- 
uralists. which seem to contradict some theories of long standing. 

Among the most curious researches of the present day may ba ranked 
those of the celebrated Professor Agassiz, in relation to the resemblance 
which is seen between the early stages of grov/th in fished, and the lower 
forms f)f their families in the full-grown state ; and also to a similar resem- 
blance between t!ic embryonic forms and the earliest representations of 
that class in the oldest geological epochs — ''an analogy which is s.j close, 
that it involves another most important princip'le, viz ; that the order of 
succession in time, of geological types, agree with the gradual changes 
which the animals of our day undergo during their metamorphoses, thus 
giving us another guide to the manifold rclatioiis which exist among ani- 
mals, allowing us to avail ourselves, for the jiurpose of classification, of t!ie 
facts derived from the development of the whole animal kingdom in geo- 
logical epochs, as well as the development of individual species in our 
epoch." This principal beiiig admitted, the investigation of embryology 
would throw a vast amount of light upon the succession of fishes of all 
geological periods, as well as upon the succession of other animals of olden 
times, now found in a fossil state. 

Climate being as intimately connected with agriculture as soil, I have 
devoted more space to its discussion than perhaps the intended limits of 
the present work would warrant ; therefore, I shall bring tlie subjeot to 
a close by referring to the following tables, and also by sajdng a few words 
descriptive of our beautiful Indian summer, which generally commences 
about the l:jth or 20th of October, and ends about the 20th of November. 

No European can form an idea of this delightful season, in which the 
poor Indian collects his scanty harvest of Indian corn and wild rice — burns 
the vast prairie to facilitate his hunting excursions, and collect game. 
The quantity of smoke ascending from these fires tend to dinunish the 
brilliancy of tlie sun's rays, rendering the liglit much more pleasant. The 
expanse of prairie on fire during this season is so vast that the atmosphere 
is impregnated with the smoke for th.ousands of miles in every direction. 



OF Wisconsin. 2G0 

The eye is relieved by tlie partial obscuratiim of the glare that preceeds 
it, just like the sensation produced by surrounding a brilliant gas light 
with a globe of ground glass to diminish the glare and render the light 
much more pleasing. Such of the prairies as escape this process in the 
Indian summer, are doomed to suffer in the spring, in order to allow the 
young grass to shoot up for cattle to feed on. The white intruder assists 
in this operation for a similar purpose. The name, "Indian summer," 
must have taken its origin from the Indians' occupation during this sea- 
son, the only time they seem to provide for, or even think of, their future 
wants. To what shall I compare the Indian summer ? "To the la;t and 
unexpected flare of a dying taper — ir to the warm, transient, bat rosy 
glow which will often steal over tljo snows of the distinct Alps, after the 
is far below the Jura, and after they have been seen rearing themselves 
for a while, cold and ghastly white, over the horizon. During the Indian 
summer 'the air is calm. Glistening strings of gassamer, Avoven liy the 
aeronaut spider, stream across the landscape — all near objects are seen 
through a dreamy atmosphere filled with a golden haze, while the distance 
melts away in violet and purple.'' 

By inspecting the following tables, it will be seen that the thermome- 
ter docs not stand very high more than two or three days together, and 
that we seldom have intense cold weather more than about three davs in 
succession. What is principally against the climate of Wisconsin, as well 
as the other Western States, arc the sudden transition from heat or cold, 
and from cold to heat. If the rains were more frequent, but not so 
heavy, in these States, it would benefit the agricultural interests of the 
country, by promoting vegetation. But, from what has been stated in 
this chapter, it is easy to foretell that some, at least, of these defects in 
the climate will, in time, be obviated. When the country is cultivated, 
drained, and cleared of forests, except belts left for protection against ad- 
verse v/inds and weather, the sudden changes of weather, so unpleasant 
and injurious in their effects, will be modified . Our summer will be 
warmer, and our winters colder ; but the seasons will be more steady and 
certain. 

The following tables will show that the State of Wisconsin is the 
most healthy State of the Union, save and except 3Iinnesota and Oregon. 
The small number of deaths, as compared with tho living population in 
these states, may be accounted for from the fact that the population of 
these two States is composed principally of foreigners Avho have recently 
settled in them, among whom is a large proportion of adults, not so sub, 
ject to disease, ending in death, as a mixed population composed in part 
of old persons and young children, whose chances of dying increase with 
their distance from that period of life at which most persons remove to a 



270 Industi;ia]> Eesouhcks 

distant land. In Wisconsin, the ratio of the deatii:-j to the nunil»er living- 
is asl to 105.82, in Jlinnesota as 1 to 202.50, and in Orogan as 1 to 
282.82. Bat comparing ^Visconsin with an ohl State, for instance Mas- 
sachusetts, -where the deaths cunipai'ed with the living arc as 1 to 51.23, 
we see the former is twice as healthy as the latter. In this comparison, 
however, we must recollect that among oui- present population are large 
numbers of foreigners who hut recently settled amongst us ; but conipar- 
insr with any State of the Union, wether young or old, except Minnesota 
and Oregon, Wisconsin is by far the most healthful. 

Meteorolo<jival uhs^yrvntioa utude at Swminit, Wanhesha Ho., for 1S5U, 
hy Kdwaxd IF. iStiacr, 
max. min. mean. AV'eather. 

Jan'y 43 *-s 25.80 Fair ilays, 152. 

Fel),y, 48 10 26.87 Cloudy, 124. 

March, 5S G^ 31.00 Rainy, 54. 

April, 72 IT 40.12 Snowy, 3. 

May, ■ 82 28 52.58 Changeable, 32. 

June, 88 42 07.02 Wind N. 12. S. 27, E. 34, W. 50. 

July, 01 50 72.13 (Miangeable 50, N. E. 10, S. E. 45. 

August, SO 48 70.07 N. W'. 38, S. W. 00, Calm 15. 

Sept'r, 7'i 34 58.50 

Oct'r, 71 22 4s, OG 

Nov'r, (54 12 38.49 

Dec'r, 42 3 20.83 

Mean, 01 10 40.08 ' 

Monfldy i/tcan fempera/ui e nt Ufloii, bi/ Prof. L'dlirdp, 185'J. 
January, 25.33 iMay, 54.25 Sept'r, 59.72 
Feb'y, 27.50 June, 00.50 Oct'r. 40.50 

March. 31.50 July, 74.10 Xov'r, 30.50 
xVpril, 40.50 August, 71.00 Dec'r, 24 00 

We have very few foggy days in Wiscimsin, the number in the 
course of the year ranging from two te four days. I have never observed 
anything bordering on a dense fog similar to what is seen England or Ire- 
land ; and when we happen to have a foggy day, it ]a.sts but a few hours. 
JMore than two hundred days in tlie year are fair, and our rainy days do 
not exceed fifty-four days.' 

Sometimes this State is visited by wator-spotls One was observed 
at Soutliport, in 1843, which is described in the Southport Telegraph. 
At the distance of ten or twelve miles from the shore was observed a dense 
cloud, from which descended a thick vapor in the form of a reversed pyra"" 



Oh- Wisconsin. -211 

mid, the surface of the Water beiieatli it appearing csjiisideralily agitated, 
"bubbling, foaming and rising up in hundreds of little shai'p pj-ramids uf 
various heigliti*, until at length an aqueous cone rising upwards, united 
with the descending one, forming a volume apparently some two hundred 
feet high, and exhibiting the form of two funnels united at the little ends, 
the point of contact being much the smallest part of the column. In the 
middle of the column was seen what nia}' be termed a transparent tube, 
through which tiie water appeared to rush with a spiral motii)n, and Avith 
a velocity truly wonderful.'" These phenomona depend upon electric in- 
fluence ; they take place in months peculiarly subject to thunder storms, 
aud flashes of light are occasionally seen moving about them with nrudisi-i- 
ous velocity. Tliey have been often dispersed by p'jinting sword towards 
them — a cunnnon practice at sea; which proveg that rlcctricity is tlie 
prime agent in the formation of these phenomena. Signor Beccaria proves 
the analogy between the phenomena of waterspouts and electricity, by 
hanging a drop of water to a wire comunicating Avith the prime conductor, 
and phicing a vessel of water uiuler it. Thus circunistanced, tlie dro,, 
assumes all the various appearances of a water-spout, Itoth in its rise, 
form, and manner of disapj^earing. 

Wo have thunder storms here much mure fretiuent tiian in lv.ii;-htud, 
aud by many degrees louder. To a new-comer the roaring, cracking, re- 
verberating sound is fearful; but tinding it, except in very rare instances, 
harmless in its results, liis fears soon subside. Though we seldom hear 
the electric fluid destro}' life, yet nothing is more common than the de- 
struction of tall trees in the forest, during a violent thunder sturm. A 
thunder storm often proceeds heavy ruin, and such storms are most violent 
in the months of September and April. 

The Aurora Borealis, in tliese western countries is a grand displav 
of color, illumination and movement. A large segment of the nortli-west- 
ern horizon suddenly blazes up, reflecting the most brilliant light iji every 
direction, and after a few moments all is darkness, which is again soon 
dispelled by another glare too dazzling for the eye to bear. When the 
concave surface of the heavens is thus lighted up, the smallest object be- 
comes visible and continues so during the brief illumination. The coh>r 
of this meteor is reddish, inclining to yellow, sending out freijuent cor- 
rustatiuns of pale light, which seems to rise from the horizon in a pyra- 
midical, undulating form, and shooting with unconceivable velocity towards 
the zenith. This meteor sometimes assumes the form of an arch generally 
transparent, but sometimes partly dark. These lights aff"ord much relief 
to the inhabitants of high latitudes during the gloom of their long winter 
nights. ?Iany attempts liave been made to account for such phenomena, 



272 Industrial Kesourck.^; 

but 1 have no doubt wo must refer the cause to electricity. Besides the 
more obvious and known appearance which constitutes a rosembh\nce be- 
tween this meteor and tlie electric matter, by Avhich lightning is produced, 
it has been observed that the aurora occasions a very sensible fluctuation 
in the magnetical needle, and when its direction is lower than usual in 
tbe atmosphere, the flashes are attended with a hissing, rushing sound. 
This noise I have not heard myself, but 1 have been told the phenomenon 
is frequently observed in the northern parts of these States. Dr. Kane, 
one of the gentlemen who went in search of Sir John Franklin, mentions 
that he observed the aurora arcs directly over head, nearly coincident with 
the magnetic meridian. 

Tt may be interesting to mention, in connection with this subject, 
that when the exploring were north of the magnetic pole of our earth, tlie 
south polar direction was read by the compass as north ; the variation 
being iSO degrees. 

The aurora is mucli more fre((uent in tlie fall of the year tlian at any 
other season. Sir John Iloss paid much attention to this phenomenon 
during his exploring voyage in search of a north-west passage. I lieard 
him read a paper, on this subject,, before tlie British Association for the 
advancement of Science. He appeared to think that the lofty icebergs in 
the northern seas had some share in reflecting the electric light, giving 
direction to its course according to shape and relative positions of these 
reflecting pinnacles. When electric disturbance attains a high degree jof 
intensity, the equilibrium of the disturbance is restored by discharge at- 
tended by a development of light. 



JACKSOX KEMPEE, D. D. L. L. D. 

niSIIOP OK WISCONSIN. 

Bishop Kemper came of a stalwart race, of high })rincipled, strong- 
bodied, strong-hearted and strii'ing brained men. 

His grandfather, .T.icoc Kemper, was born at Caub, on the llhine 
the son of an ofiicor in the Prince Palatine's army. He emigrated to 
America in 1741. The Bishop's Father, Daniel Kemper, was born at 
New Brunswick, eight years after the immigration in 1749. 

Daniel Kemper, was a Colonel in the Revolutionary Army. He 
had sacrified his means, which were not narrow, freely in the struggle for 
national independence, and, after the war, through General Washington's 
influence, held, for some time, an office in the Tustom House at New York 



Biography. 278 

Col. Kemper was one of the original members of the (.)r(lei- of the 
CiNCiNXATi, and among the Bishop's heirlooms is his father's Cross 
and Jewel of the Order, made in France under the direction of Lafay- 
ette, just after the Revolution. 

The Bishop was born at Pleasant Valley, in Dutchess Cou:ity, where 
the family were temporarily residing, on Christmas Eve., Dec. 24, 17S9. 
On Col. Kemper's reeieving the apointment mentioned above, he remov- 
ed to New York City, wliieh was shortly after the Bishop's birth, and it 
occured in that i\'ay, tliat the child was baptized by Bishop Moore. 

He entered Columbia C( liege in 1805, and graduated in 1809, as 
the valedictorian of his class. 

Immediately upon his graduation he began the study of Theologr 
under the care of ]jishop Moore aud the clergy of Trinity Parish. 

Young Kemper was ready for ordination as soon as he had reached 
the canonical ago of twenty one years. 

His own Bishop, Moore of New York, was suddenly stricken with 
paralysis, and incapacitated from duty, and permission was given the 
candidate by the Standing Committee of New York, to apply to Bishop 
White for Orders 

On the .second Sunday in Lent, in 1811, he was ordained Deacon by 
Bishop White, in St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia. 

He was immediately called to the Assistantship, under Bishop White 
of the united Parishes of ('hrist (Ihurch, St. Peter's and St. James'. In 
May he removed to Philadel[)hia and entered on the duties of this position 
which he held till June 1831 — twenty years. 

In 1812 and 1814, he was granted leave of absence from the par- 
ish to perform missionary tours in West. In Western Ponasylvania, 
Western Virginia and Eastern Ohio he took his first lessons in the work 
to which GrOD was soon to call hiia for life. In those, at that time, wild 
regions of the Far West he traveled far and wide, and, in many places 
was the first to hold Divine Service, and to read the Common Prayer. 

In I8l9 and 1820, he also labored as traveling agent, in the matter 
<.'f raising means to establish the General Theological Seminary. 

He had been ordained Priest ia June, 1814, in Christ Cliurch, Phila- 
delphia, by Bishop White, and. at about the same time had been unan- 
imously elected Assistant at St. Paul's Cliurch, Baltimore, of Avhich 
Bishop Kemp was Rector, which election he declined. Thif< was not, as 
we shall see, the only time that Baltimore asked for him. 

In June 1831, the Rev. Jackson Kemper accepted the Rectorship 
of St. Paul's Church, Norwalk, Conn. His residence here was to bo short 

although marked all his days to him, by the sorest sorrow of his life the 

18 



274 ]3ioau\i'iiY. 

early l<iss of his temlorly beloveil wiCe, wlio die 1 at Norwaik in 1S32, ua;l 

who losts all that is mortal of her, i'.i tbo cburcii-yard ot' St. Paul's. 

At the Gnieral Convfutiou of 1835, the Jlev. Jackson Kempek, D. 

D., was elect'jd tho lirst Missiouixry Bisliip of thu American Episeopal 

Church. 

God had quenched tliii happy light of his home, and fr.un liis dark- 
cited heasth ho was ready to go where tlie Master called. 

In ^.U. Petei-'s Church, Philad-dphia, at the aU.ar, wiiere tW3aty-f):ir 

years bofor'-, lie had knelt to take uuon liini the orders of a Deacon, he 
knelt again to receive the plenary Apostolic Commission, a man who had 
purchased to liiraself as Deacon and Priest, if any min had, this highest 
and last degree. And there the same venerable hands were, for the tliird 
time, laid upon his head, and the saintly White sent forth his young 
Assistant, hdw i:-. the full vi<;or of his manliood, with the old Apostoli*"' 
Commissioi in the old Apostolic Line. It was the last consecration at 
which Bishop White officiated, Sept. 25, 183o. 

The Mi-^sionary Bisliop left liis three motherless little ones under tli^ 
care of their mother's mother, at her home in Philadelphia, and M'cnt forth 
into the wild ^V^est to his appointed work. For eleven years he was liter- 
ally a homeless man. The fire that had died out into cold ashes in '32, 

an Norwallf, was never rekindled, all those years even in semljlance. Bishoo 

* • • • 

Kemper was a stranger and pilgrim on the earth. During those eleven 

years his books were never unpacked. He liad )iot even a study. He 
traveled on horseback and on foot, he went over rough roads and untrodden 
paths, he swam rivers in liis many journeyings. He preached in wayside 
cabins, in taverns, sclioolhouses, and upper rooms. His saddlebags con- 
tained his worldly goods — his robes, and his Communion Service, his Bible 
and his Prayer Book. 

In 1835, early in the winter, the Bishop reached St. Louis, where he 
took up his residence, as far as he might be said to have a residence, un- 
til be removed to Vfisconsin in the fall of 1844. 

His jurisdiction comprised "the Northwest." Out of it have been 
formed the Dioceses of Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, 
Kansas and Nebraska . 

It came to him in 1837-8, at the request of Bishop Otey, who was 
suddenly disabled by sickness, to take care also of the southwest. He 
visited the southersi states, from Louisiana to Florida, devoting several 
inontlis to the work — confirming, ordaining, and consecrating many 
Churches. 

It was at this time that lie was recalled to the East, by being elected 
to the Bishopric of Maryland. This he declined. He was a Missionary 
Bishop, and a Missionary Bishop he would remain. 



BrooRAPiiY. 275 

In 1844, Missouri, as a Dioceso, olectod a Bisliop of its own, the 
late Bishop Hawks. 

Shortly after the Bishop removed to Wisconsin, and in the summer 
of 1846 purchased land adjoining the newly ;foundcd Institution at Na- 
shotah, and in the fall of that year took up his residence thereupon in the 
humble cottage, ("the Bishop's Palace," as it was pleasantly called. ) 
which old settlers so well remember, and which still stands beside the 
family residence, and there with his children about him, for the first time 
since the breaking up at Norwalk, he might be said to have a home. 

In 1847 Wisconsin had been organized into a Diocese, and the Prim- 
ary Convention had elected Bishop Kemper Diocesan. This he declined. 

It was not till seven years after, when he was again unanimously elec- 
ted ill 1854, that he accepted, and then only when it had so been arran- 
ged by the General Convention, that his acceptanee would allow him to 
remain Missionary Bishop still. 

He travelled extensively thereafter in the then Indian Territory and 
Kansas, when the border troubles were at their worst. He had some 
severe experiences during the disturbed times, experiences which his happy 
temper always turned into amusing adventures afterward. It is only fair 
to say that personally he never met with anything but respect and kind- 
ness from men of any party. .^^^11 recognized the good man on his mission 
of love and peace, and the rudest "Border ruffian" bade Bishop Kemper 
Grod-speed, 

At the Greneral Convention of 185!) Bishop Kemper resigned his 
office as Missionary Bishop. 

He then became Diocesan Bishop of Wisconsin solely, which office be 
held beloved and reeverd by all men for eleven years thereafter. He 
died at his residence in Delafield, May 24, 1870, Aged 80, and is buried 
at Nashotah. 



EDWARD FERCtUSON 
was born in Oswego County New York, January 9, 1843. Came to Mil- 
waukee in the spring of 1860 and was employed in the Commission office 
of Gen. Lysander Cutler until the breaking out of the war. Enlisted as 
a private in Co. A of the First Regiment Wisconsin Vols, (for three 
months) immediately after the firing upon Fort Sumpter. Served with 
his company and regiment under Gen. Patterson in Virginia, was in the 
engagement known as Falling Waters (Virginia), and at the expiration of 
of that term of service was mustered out with his regiment at Milwaukee, 
re-enlisted at the re-organization of the First Regiment (for three years) 
as First Serseant of Co. A, and served with his regiment until the battle 



276 Biography. 

of Perryville, Kentucky, (Oct. Stli, 1862,) in which battle he was disabled 
from further service by wounds through the foot, shoulder and cheek. 
The wound through the right foot rendered amputation necessary, and 
the one through the shoulder disabled the left arm and hand so as to ren- 
der them almost useless. Was confined to his bed from these wounds nearly 
two years. Was honorably discharged from the service as a l.iieutenant 
in July, 1864, being unable to return to duty. Was appointed by Gov. 
Fairchild State Fish Inspector, that office having been rendered vacant 
by the death of Gen. Cutler. Was appointed Secretary of the National 
Asylum for D. V. 8 in December, 1867, which office he held until Febru- 
ary 1869. Was appointed U. S. Pension Agent liy President Grant, 
which office he now holds. 

The writer of this sketch having had frequonk opportunities (as Pen- 
si on and Bounty Claim Agent since the commencement of the late war) 
of witnessing the official cenduot of Lieutenant Ferguson(as U. 8. Pension 
Agent) can state, without any fear of contradiction, that no one oould 
have diecharged the duties of the office with more acceptance than that gen- 
tleman. 

He wan always at his post ready and willing to pay all just demands, 
and wive all necessary information required of Iiim, and that in language 
and manner so much like a gentleman as to impress every one doing busi- 
ness in his office with a high opinion of his fitness to fill a government 
situation. 



W.^r. II. BAD WAY. 

Wm. H. Radway was born in Wiltshire, England ; removed to 
Glocestershire, when very young, where he was articled to the Dry Goods 
business, and was employed for several years in some of the largest busi- 
ness houses in London ; came to America in company with Dr. T. Hat- 
chard in 18-19 and settled in Milwaukee, where he still resides. 

Mr. Ftadway bought and established the first Lithograph press in the 
Northwest. He commenced thellealEstate business in 1858, in which he con- 
tinues still, effecting at different times the largest sales of property known 
to have been made in the State. He was, for many years, agent of the 
Fox and Wisconsin Improvement Company for the sale of their lands com- 
prising 640,000 acres, located in different counties of theState. Mr. Badway 
in company with his brother in law, Mr. H. S. Smith is now the proprie- 
tor of the largest Sash and Door Factory in this city, where over one 
hundred men arc employed, whose work is sent to nine or ten diffe- 
rent States of the South and AVest. Besides tiie vast amount of capital 
inveS^d in this Mammoth Planing Mill, Mr. Badway is the owner of 



Biography. 277 

a large amount of property in real estate located in this city and state, tke 
result and reward of persevering industry, clear foresight, business talent, 
and honorable and straightforward dealing, which have characterized all 
his acts. 

It is a rare fact and one worthy of note, that Mr. Radway has raised 
himself to his present position without making any noise or public display, 
without having recourse to expensive suits at law, or being even suspected of 
overreaching any ene with whom lie did business, a practice not altogether 
unknown liere, or of being guilty of a single act calculated to tarnish his 
character as a man and citizen. 



I)n. WILLIAM W. FOX 

was born in the County Westmeath, Ireland, Sept., 1814; educated partly 
in Ireland and partly in this Country. He emigrated to the United States 
in 1833 and settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where he studied in the oiriee of 
Robert Johnstone, an Irishman, and pupil of Dr. Kirby of Dublin. Hav- 
ing acquired the necessary knowledge of Medicine, he graduated at the 
Willoughby University, Ohio, in 1838, where he obtained his Diploma, and 
in 1839 settled in Lagrange County, Northern Indiana, then a very sickly 
country, where he practiced as a physician for four years, after which he 
came to Wisconsin, and settled at Oregan, nine miles south of Madison* 
where he now resides. 

When Dr. Fox first settled at Oregaa, the district had few inhabi- 
tants, "except wild game and Indians". Such a place not being likely to 
hold out many bright prospects for a medical men to practice in, the Doc- 
tor was induced to go baek to Indiana, which plaee however he was ob- 
liged soon to quit, his health having sufi'ered from the climate and exces- 
sive professional labors. In 1843, he came back to Oregan, which is now 
surrounded by a district thickly inhabited, affording an amount of practice 
entirely too muoh for one man. Dr. J'^ox was elected as one of the dele- 
gates from Dane County to the second constituiional convention, to torm 
the State constitution. Ever einee the Dr. has persistently declined any 
offici.il position. 

Did it form any part of the historian's plan to trace genealogies, he 
could state from personal knowledge, tliat Dr. Fox is descended from an 
ancient high family. One of his ancestors obtained a patent of a vast 
tract of land in ^Vestmeathand Kings County from Queen Elizabeth, a part 
of which, however, was taken from the family by Cromwell and given to 
})is soldiers, who retain it to this day. Though the historiar. values re- 



278 BiociKAriiv. 

spectable ancestry very liigkly, tlie descendants of Dr. Fox will point to 
his name with more pride than to Queen Elizabeth's Patentee. Dr. Fox 
stands high in his profession and is a model citizen worthy of imitation. 



Vv'ILLIAM KENNEDY. 

The Subject of this sketch was born in Burlington, Vermont, June 
Sth, 1830 ; got a common school education and afterwards, a good mer- 
cantile education for three years, at the Lincoln Commercial College, Mil- 
waukee, to which City he removed in 1849; was appointed Deputy Collec- 
tor of the Port of Milwaukee under Collector John White and served in 
that capacity for four years ; was elected Clerk of the Municipal Court in 
1859, which he held for three years. Joined the 24th Regiment in 18G2, 
and served until the Regiment Ayas mustered out of the service in June, 
18G5 ; was promoted from the rank of Lieutenant to the Majority of 
the Regt., which rank he held till ho returned to his home. Major Ken- 
nedy was elected Treasurer of Milwaukee County in 18G8 and reelected in 
1870. The gallant Major Avas engaged in the following battles : Chika- 
mauga, Sept. 19 and 20, 1863, Mission Ridge, Nov. 24 and 25, 1803; 
Rocky Face, May 9, 18G4 ; Reseca, May 14, 18G4 ; Calhoun, May 
17, 1864; Adairville, May 18, 1864; Dallas, May 25 to June 5 ; 
Lost Mountain. June 16, 1864 ; Kennesaw Mountain, June 27, 1SG4 ; 
Peach Tree Creek, July 20, 18G4 ; Atlanta, July 22, 1864 ; Jonesboro, 
Sept. 1, 1864; Lovejoy, Sept. 2, 18G4 ; Spring Hill, Novb. 20, 18G4^ 
■Franklin, Novb. 30, 1864; Nashville, Dec. 5, 15, 16, 1864- 

The Biographer witnessed the services of Major Kennedy, wi)ile til- 
ling the offices of Deputy Port Collector and Clerk of the Municipal Court 
and can state that no one could have discharged the duties of these offices 
with more talent and satisfaction to the public, than the gallant 3Iajor. 
and his election a second time to the important position of County Treas 
urer is a sufficient proof that he has acquitted himself with strict propriety 
and to the entire satisfaction of the public. As to his conduct as an offi- 
cer, the men he commanded speak highly of him. 



' JOSEPH H. CORDES. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Westphalia, German}', Sep- 
temper 15, 1820 ; was educated in the same place, came to America in 
1835, and located at Detroit, where he remained till 1842, engaged in 
mercantile business ; came to Milwaukee in 1842, where he commenced 



BiOGRAruY, 279 

the grocery business, wbolcsiile, which he continues to carry on still at 
the corner of Detroit and East Water Streets. In 1853 Mr. -Cordes suf- 
fered a very severe loss by au unforeseen accident. His store fell down 
by which he lost in goods and rebuilding §;40,000. This large sum was 
more than most men in his line of bufiness could bear ; ho, however, 
weathered the storm, raul continued to carry on his business without in- 
terruption or apparent difficulty, and is now a wealthy mercliant, in the 
enjoyment of au extensive and prosperous trade. 

Few men are so peculiarly constituted by nature to insure success iu 
business, as the subject of this pketch. Indulgent to his custoram-s and 
averse to expensive litigation, he is kind, obliging, and friendly, and 
scrupulously careful to do strict justice to all Avith whom he has any busi- 
ness transaction. These personal qualities of Joe Cordes, as he is lamil 
iarly called, are like household words among the retail grocers of Iowa and 
Minnesota, as well as among tliosc of the state of Wisconsin. 



HELIOPOUE J. HILBEKT 
was born at Godbringen, Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, Cct. 29th 1.S29 ; 
is a graduate of the Normal School, and pursued the industrial coui'se of 
etudies in the Royal College of Luxemburg successfully. He emigrated 
to the U. S. in 1849, v»-as assistant engineer on the Milwaukee and Missis- 
sippi Fkaiiroad under Mr. Kilbourne, which road he left in IS.'il to engage 
in the construction of the Michigan Tentral Railroad, from Michigan 
City to Chicago, with Col. Berrien, then chief engineer ; from thence he 
Trent with Col. Berrien to Princeton, Ills., and assisted in the locating and 
construction of that part of the Chicago, Quincy and Burlington Rail- 
road, which extends from Mendota Junotion to Galcsburg ; from 1856 to 
1860 he was engaged as chief engineer of the formerly Transit and now 
called Winona and St. Peter Railroad in Minnesota. The first GO miles 
of that difficult road were located by him and built under his personal 
supervision, and the final success of that Railroad, in that then new 
State, is largely due to his skill as an engineer and to his energy, persever- 
ance, and to the unselfish devotion and sacrifice of his labor and of his 
means to the great work in which he was engaged as engineer at a time 
of general financial distress all over the United States. 

3Ir. Hil!)ert returned to 3Iilwaukee in I860, was elected twice with- 
out O})p0£ition as a member of the Common Council of this City, and was 
twice President of the Board of Councilors viz : in 1869 and 1870, and 
is now tlie Chief Engineer of tlie ^Milwaukee and Northern Railway, to 
which he devotes his whole time awd attention. 



280 BlOOKAI'HV. 

Tliere is no profession, the biograj)ii(.'r is aware of, that requires a 
more extensive course of scientific eduiiatiou than rhat of engineering. 
With only a scanty knowledge of the rudiments of common arithmetic, 
a man may carry the chain, hold the leyeling stuff and drive stakes till 
doomsday without having the least claim to the namu of Engineer. 

Before commencing the profession, Mr. Hilbert acquired a knowledge 
of all the sciences required in the profession as above stated, and the 
works constructed by him in this coujitry aro sufficient proof of the fact. 



AUGUSTUS T. IIIDDELL. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Greenfield, Saratoga I'ounty, 
State of New York, July 30, 1828. Being a little ambitious, and wishing 
to better his condition, he removed to Milwaukee in June 184*J, and en- 
gaged with Charles Gift'ord on Snriag Street, for two years in the nursery 
business. Tn 1852 he commenced the baking business on a small scale in 
Wisconsin Street, where he continued till Oct. ], 18G0, when he bought 
the extensive bakery on Broadway, which he enlarged and improved con- 
siderably, having built new additions and improved the machinery, making 
it the most complete and extensive bakery establishment in the North, 
west. 

Mr. lliddell employs about forty men to work tlui establishment ^ 
which has a capacity for running from fifty five to sixty barrels of flour 
daily. ]Mr. Riddell's celebrated ^Erated Crackers are shipped to all 
parts of the country west to Omaha and south to Memphis, Tenn. Mr- 
Riddoll Lmded in Milwaukee with only sixty-five dollars, and by his un- 
remitted industry and perseverance has reached a position of considerable 
wealth and influence. It is well worth the time of any one having leisure 
and taste for machinery to go through Mr. Riddell's establishment, and 
witness how quickly flour is converted into bread, cakes, and crai;kers by 
his improved machinery. The gentlemanly proprietor or lis clerk wiU 
always be ready to show the manner in whicli the machinery works, and 
makes JEvated bread and other products witliout bringing the stuft' into 
contact with human hands. 



HENRY FRIEND, MEYER FRIEND, and ELIAS FRIEND 

were born in Antenhauson, Bavaria, and emigrated to America in 1840. 
Having landed in New York, they proceeded thence to Pennsylvania whore 
they remained for two years, doing mercantile busines-", on a small scale; 



Biography. 281 

after which they went to Alabama, from which place they came to Mil- 
waukee, where thej are permanently settled. After having arrived at 
J^lilwaukee, they conducted a retail establishment till 1S50, when th«y 
commenced manufacturing clothing and jobbing in cloths and tailoring 
goods, at 370 East Water Street, which they conducted till 1865, when 
they removed to the large Store No. 358 and 360 Main Street, where they 
continue to condu'.-t their business on an enlarged scale, wholesale only. 
To give some idea of the vast extent of the manufacturing establishment 
of the Messrs. Friend, it is only necessary to state, that they pay for 
tailoring work over 60,000 dollars a year, employing 500 persons, inclu- 
ding men and women. To those who have transacted business with these 
gentlemen, it is unnecessary to say anything in commendation of their 
character, but to thof-e to whom they are not known, the author can un- 
hesitatingly state, that their reputation, as merchants of high honor, 
strict integrity, and liberal dealing stands eminently conspicuous, which 
no doubt, has tended to enable them to extend their business, aiid build 
up an establishment, the largest of its kind in the North West. 



HORACE CHASE 

was born in the town of Derby. County of Orleans, State of Vermont, 
Dec. 25, 1810 ; being the fifth son and sixth child of a family of ten chil- 
dren, six sons and four daughters. He comes of pioneer and llevolutioa- 
ary stock. 

His ancestors on his fathers side emigrated to America i;i 1041, his 
ancestral line were early settlers in the State of New Hampshire and his 
grandfather fought in the l)attle of Lexington. Mr. Chase's father settled 
in the above town in 1807 At that time there was not a mill to grin^i 
grain within thirty miles. Among his earliest recollections were those of be- 
ing mounted on a pile of sacks on a horse conveying grain to the family 
grist-mill. The stones used were made of granite and only two leet in 
diameter and were put up in one end of a saw mill. 

The cold season of 1816 and '17, caused hard times for those early 
settlers in the wilderness. Horace remembers seeing snow-drifts six feet 
in depth on the l6th of June in that year. 

He lived with his parents and worked on the farm when ho became 
old enough and they required children to become useful. In the winters 
he attended the district-school. In his seventeenth year while unloading haj 



-82 BlOGKAl'IIY. 

in a close barn he becimo greatly overheated aiifi vv^as unable to do nard 
work for two years. In tlie month of December 1S30, he went to Barton, 
Vermont. He resided with Messrs. Baxter, llobinson &: Co , as a clerk 
in their store. He remained untilJauuary Th:;) ;, when he engaged with 
Wilder Pearce, Esq , Stanstead Plain, Canada iuast, and lived with him as 
clerk in his store until February, 1 834; during this time lie visited IMontreal 
on several occasions. Horace now left his native place and start :d for the 
south seeking a field which might afford r;i'.)re encouragement for a young 
man setting out in life. He arrived in Boston, Mass., and remained in Jlr. 
Bugby's dry goods store until March lOlli wlion he tuck a packet to New 
York City, where he arrived the 2bth and \va? iutendlngto visit Charles- 
ton, South Carolina, but while in New York City he had the good fortune 
to make the acquaintance of P. F. W. Peck, Esq., who hailed from Chica- 
go, 111. Mr. Peck made a proposition to young Chase to accompany him- 
to Chicago and he would give him a situation as clerk in his store. 

He left New York, on the 9th of April taking passage on a steamboat 
for Albany, New York, where lie renuxiuod until April 17, when he left 
for Buffalo, via Erie Canal, at wliich place he arrived on the li5th and took 
passage on the 29th for Chicago, 111., on tiie schooner Globe, Captain Per- 
kins ; arrived at Detroit 3Iay 2, and vras detained until tlie 8d, readied 
Mackinaw May 20, and arrived at Chicago May IG 1S3I. Chicago was 
at that time a frontier city containing a few trading houses and three 
taverns ; the best hotel used a cow bell to call guests to dine. He remain- 
ed with jMr. Peck some time, then engaged as Bookkeeper with Mr. Inger- 
sol, tavern keeper; not liking this business he engaged as clerk with Messrs- 
Kinzee and Hall who kept a largo wholesale and retail store. 

During his stay v/ith Mr. Ingersol lie became acquaintctl v,-ith 
Archibald Clybourn, Esq., who proposed to go into company in the mer- 
cantile business; a partnership was entered into for three years, but as 
Chicago was thought to be too old a place and itlilwaukee was only an India,, 
trading post with a prospect of becoming a good sized town at some future 
day it was thought advisable to locate there. On the 4th of Dec. 1834, left 
Chicago in conijiany with Samuel Brown and William Burdick. Followed 
the Indian trail ; liouses at that time were scarce and they were obliged to 
camp out nights. Where Weston now stands Wernet had a house and 
Jock & Lcwcy View had houses at Skunk Grrove, five miles wjst of Bseine. 
Not being accustomed to camping out nights Mr. Chase contracted a 
severe cold. They next jiut up at Paul View's, MMidse huuse wa.s built on 
the high blulT south of the Menomonce and now occupied b}- Alexander 
3Iitche]l. On the morning of the 9th of Dec. they came down to where 
Water Street Bridge crosses. Here they found Grcorge H. W'alker in his 
log trading house, built the previous summer. 



Biography. 283 

Followed up the river to Mr. Juneau's trading house, built 1822; it 
stood partly on Ludington's Block; next went down to the bank of tliclakc 
at the foot of Huron Street where two young men, White & Evans had 
built a trading house the previous November. 

Mr. Brown located in the vicinity of the tixth ward school house, 
Mr. Burdick near the German Market. Mr. Chase in the vicinity where 
he now lives. Returned to Chicago Dec. 17. 

January 14, 1835, left Chicago in company with Mr. Clybournc and 
five others for Bock River, crossed Fox near where Elgin now stands; 
thence they travelled to the Kishwakee and followed that stream to Rock 
River. This was a beautiful country without a trace of a white man un- 
til they arrived at Dixon which was a crossing from Southern Illinois to the 
lead mines. Then they parted, Mr. Chase and driver returned to Chicago 
and then went down into Bureau Count}^ where he found a small settle- 
ment. After leaving the settlement he camped out two nights, on one 
occasion being compelled to stop on the middle of a prairie during a vio- 
lent snow storm. 

He finally arrived at Chicago, Fe1>ruary 1st, 183.5. (hi Feb. 19th 
he started in company with George (xoodhere for Kankakee, at the head 
of the Illinois River, and returned to Chicago on the 23d ; Feb. 27th he 
again started with Joseph Porthier fir jMilwaukee. It was intensely eold; 
that sixty five miles without a house, (his own language) was a cold 
drive. 

He made a claim on the mouth of the river on the south side, also 
another where the Wisconsin Leather Compaiiy is now located. He 
again returned to Chicago and packed his goods and again started for 
Milwaukee, where he arrived March 23, and built a small shanty store- 
house at the mouth of the river before mentioned. His merchandise 
arrived on the sloop Westward Ho ! March 30, 183.5. Mr. Chase and Por- 
thier ran a raft of lumber from Bigelow's mill (now Humboldt), early in 
April ; a portion of the way they had to wade half body deep in the cold 
water to guide the raft off the boulders. 

In April in company with several others he went through to Root 
River to open a lake road to the mouth of tlie Milwaukee River. They 
succeeded in opening a road that took all the travel, and a portion to this 
day still continue to travel tlie same road. In 1835 in company with 
his brother (Dr. Chase) lie opened a large and commodious 
store, and they alone did the forwarding and commission business of 
what is now the great city of Milwaukee. In October 1837, Mr. Chase 
was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ann Gray, a sister of Charles and 
George M. Graj', now of Chicago. Mr. Chase was elected a member of 
the first constitutional convention from Milwaukee County. The Con- 
vention assembled at Madison during the winter of 1846 and 1847, He 



284 Biography. 

was next elected from the towns Lake and Greeiifiidd to the first State 
Legislature, which also convened at Madison, Jan'y, 184S. 

Li August, 1852, Mr. Chase met with a sorrowful bereavement in the 
loss of his beloved wife. 

In 1858 he was again married to Miss Mary H. Davis of Mount 
Holly, A'ermont, who is still living to make his home a happy one. 

In 18G1 he was elected Alderman and Supervisor for the 5th Ward 
of the city of 3Iilwaukee and in lS(i2 received through the suffrages of 
his admiring fellow citizens the responsible and honorable position of 
Mayor of ^Milwaukee. It is needless to add a fact which is so well known. 
Mr. Chase discliaro-ed the duties of his high office to the entire satisfac- 
tion of those who elected him. 

Mr. Chase has retired on an ample fortune, the result of his own 
industry and integrity, and now lives to enjoy the esteem of his fellow 
citizens l)oth of Milwaukee and elsewhere. 



JAMES STEPHEN WHITE, Dem., 

was born in Detroit. Mich., Dec. 0, 1888 ; received a common school ed- 
ucation and attended Sinsinawa Mound College three sessions ; is by pro- 
fession a real estate broke) ; came to Wisconsin in 1843, and settled at 
Milwaukee, where he has cuutinued to reside ever since, excepting an ab- 
sence of 18 months in Colorado ; entered the military service during the 
late rebellion and was commissioned 2nd liieutenant, in Co. B. 1st Wis. 
Vols., August 18(31 ; resigned September 18t)2, on account of ill health : 
was deputy treasurer of the City of Milwaukee from 18G3 to 1808, and is 
at present a member of the Board of Health of the city, and member of 
the Assembly from the 1st AVard. He received G03 voies as an indepen- 
dent candidate against 438 for Patrick Drew, Dem. 

James White came to Milwaukee when oidy five years old, and from 
tliat day to this, no one uttered a complaint against him for any mischief 
or offence, so usually committed by boys of that age. Tip to his going to 
Madison as a member of the Assembly, whose labors recently terminated, 
he was unknown to the political world. While at school and college, he 
evinced considerable talent, and while Deputy Treasurer of the City, his 
conduct was obliging and gentlemanly : always at his post. ready and will- 
ing to attend to any call made on him by reason of his position 

While in the Assembly Ch:imber at Madison, his attention to business 
was unremitting, displaying in all cases that came before the house a de- 
gree of sound judgement, which would reflect credit on an older ami more 
practiced man, giving reasonable hope, yes positive assurance, that with a 
little more practice, he is sure to make an indelible mark, as a statesman. 



Biography. 285 

The Biographer states this as his opinion from personal knowledge, 
strengthened by the testimony of one of the most intelligent members of 
the house. His address is pleasing, and his personal appearance most 
engaging, being by some degrees the finest man in the Capital ; tall in sta- 
ture, beautiful in form and features, and in every way calculated to draw 
attention. He is the eldest sou of the late John AVhite, who fille<l many 
positions of honor and trust in our city and county. 



JOHN MILLER 

AX OLD SprrTLKR. 

John 3iiller was born in Grandvil'e County, State of Vermont, July 
S, 1819. Left that state in April 1840, and settled on a farm in Dana 
County on which he lived till 18G6, when he removed to Madison where he 
lived retired till 1870, when he went into the hotel business. 

The writer can state from personal knowledge, that the Miller House, 
kept by the subject ©f this sketch, near the Court House, at ^Ladison, the 
Capital of this state, holds out inducements to travellers seeking domestic 
comforts, kind treatment, and reasonable terms, which but few hotels in 
the State of Wisconsin can e([ual. 



EDWARD AND MICHAEL F. McKEY. 

The gentlemen at the head of this sketch were twin brothers, born 
in the County Mayo, Ireland, in 1821. They were extensively engaged 
in business in that country for some time, and sustained heavy losses by 
reason of the famine of 184'o. They came to America in 1847, located at 
Little Falls, State of New York, where they commenced business in the 
fall of that year ; but hearnig of the great and rapid growth of the West- 
ern States, they came to Wiscon.'iin in 1S49. and opened two mercantile 
houses, one in Racine and another in Janesville. Subse({uently, the}^ 
established mercantile houses in all the chief inland towns of the state. 
At one time they owned over 25000 acres of land in the State of Wiscon- 
sin. In 18GS Michael F. McKeydied, leaving a family well provided for. 
Edward, the senior partner, is now about retiring from trade, leaving the 
business in the hands of two younger brothers, Richard and Robert, who, 
no doubt, will follow in the footsteps of their brothers, and reap the bene- 
fit of the high character they have so deservedly established. 

Very few in the history of men of great success can be found to equal 
Edward McKey. In the prime of his life he retires from trade, with a 
fortune seldom made in so short a time, or with so little ostentatious 



28G Biography. 

display. An idea may Le formed of Ids fortune from the fact that his 
rent roll amounts to over ^50,000 a year, derived from real estate owned 
in Chicago and many other Western Cities. 

3Ir. 3IeKcj has a fine and numerous family, and a wife whose domes- 
tic habits are in every way calculated to make his home happy. 



DR. JAMES B. B0WP:N. 

The career of Dr. James B. Howen, the present Mayor of Madison, 
Wisconsin, affords a happy illustration of what energy, tact and resolute- 
ness of purpose are able to accomplish despite the most discouraging and 
difficult circumstances. 

He was the ninth child of Jabez Bowen, a native of Bhode Island, 
and long and favorably known as one <ii" the earliest and most successful 
cotton manufacturers of that State. Later in life, he became a resident 
of Killingly, Connecticut, where the subject of. this sketch was born, 
August 19, 181G. Shortly before bis death, which occured in 1822, he 
met with a sweeping misfortune in the total loss of his property, so that 
the widow and her ten children were left to their own resources. 

Through the sacrifices of his mother and his own work in a neighbor- 
ing mill, James was kept at school until his eleventh year, when he enter- 
ed into a contract with a cotton manufacturer to work for four years dur- 
ing the usual liours and until 10 o'clock at night, with a reservation of 
four hours per day fur study in school. 

Upon the fulfilment of this contract, he made an engagement with 
another manufacturer for one year's service, at the expiration of which 
time he was placed in charge, as superintendent of the whole establish- 
ment, witii the control of one hundred hands. 

This was naturally deemed remarkable success for a boy of but 1(5 
years ; but it did not satisfy his longings for educational advantages, 
■which, notwithstanding his taste and extraordinary tact for bussiness, had 
for him stronger attractions than mere material prosperity. And accor- 
dingly, in his eighteenth year he loft his position and entered an academy 
at Pleasant Valley, New York, where he continued for nearly one year 
earning the means of support by perforining night duties the whole time 
in a neighboring factory. i 

He returned to Connecticut, rented an idle cotton mill at Stafford, for 
a short time, procured the necessary stock with -which to run it, purely 
upon personal credit, and started the business of manufacturing on his own 
account. In this his first independent operation he was successful ; so 



BiooiiAPnv, 2ST 

that at the end of tlie few raoiitlis fur which the propert}- was rented he 
had cleared a haiidsonio amount of money. 

Thence went to AYoodstock, Conn., where he managed a factory for 
one year, and finally to AYarrcn. }dass., at whicli phico he purchased a mill 
for 10,000 dollars and again commenced an independent business. Suc- 
cess crowned his eft'orts and he was rapidly accumulating a fortune, when 
by the sudden failure of his mercantile agents at New York he lost 
everything he had hitherta made. 

This calamity did not overtake him, however, until he had added to 
his securities bj taking in marriage the hand of Miss Susan Frecker of 
Connecticut, the lady Avho, not only tlirough the dark period that so soon 
followed, but throughout tlte subsequent years, by her womanly qualities 
and excellent councils has contributed so njuch to his material prosperity 
and personal happiness. 

Nothing daunted by the heavy reverse above mentioned, he resolute- 
ly seized upon whatever enterprise could be mastered by so young a man 
without money, and at the end of eighteen months removed to Auburn, 
New York, in the hops of finding some better means of retrieving his for- 
tunes. For a time every avenue to a successful engagement seemed closed 
against him, so that he was reduced to narrower straits and enveloped in 
darker clouds than any he had ever known before. 

It was here that he conceived the idea of studying medicine, and ac- 
tually made a beginning in preparing himself for what was to be his chief 
pursuit in life. 

At the end of two years, he went to Eocheeter, where in company 
with another young man he piirchased and refitted a cotton mill ; running 
it dav and night for some two years, and clearing over 30,000 dollars, at 
the same time continuing the study of m.edicine with a practitioner of large 
experience and high repute. At the end of the two years he sold out his 
interest and devoted himself wholly to the study of medicine. IJut un- 
happily for the security of the snug little fortune he had laid up, the hard 
experiences of life had made him generously open to appeals from others 
who were in need of assistance ; and so through repeated endorsementg 
of parties whom he considered safe, he again had every dollar of property 
swept from under him, and was also indebted for considerable amounts 
over and above his actual resources. 

Stung by this s'icoud great misfortune, ho redoubled his afforts in 
the direction of his chosen profession. 

lu 1848, he was graduated from Central College as a Doctor of Me_ 
dicine, and immediately commenced practice in Providence, Rhode Island ; 
continuing therein at that place some four years, at the close of which 
period he removed to iviadison, Wisconsin, arriving in the summer of 1S52. 



2?6 Biography. 

From this day down to the present, his career has been in all respects an 
uninterrupted and steadily increasing success. 

During lii.i first year in Madison, ho encountered considerable opposi- 
tion on account of having abandoned the Allopathic for the iioniocopathic 
system of medicine. But his practice nevertheless continued to increase 
from year to year and soon became exceedingly large and lucrative. 

As his pecuniary resources increased, he made various fortunate in- 
vestments in real estate in Wisconsin and other states, and has within the 
past ten years been a silent partner or sole proprietor in various mercan- 
tile enterprises of considerable magnitude ; in all of which he has achieved 
suece.«s. 

As a professional man, Dr. Boweu possesses, in addition to the wisest 
accurate medical knowledge, those rare intuitive powers and that no less 
rare ability to make rapid deductions from observed symptoms, which at 
once give him great correctness and promptness in diagnosis and no less 
remarkable facility in adapting means to ends. He is, therefore, not only 
so skillful as to have acquiretl a wide celebrity, but is able to give proper 
attention to a great many patients daily. 

As a business man, he has few equals. Clear in his perceptions, 
sound in judgement, prompt in reaching his conclusions and decisive inac- 
tion, it is almost a matter of course that success attends his every step. 

As a citizen, he is universally respected for his broad and liberal views 
upon all questions that relate to pul)lic affairs, and for the spirited manner 
in which he takes part in every movement that promises tlie advancement 
of the public interests 

He has been too much occupied as a physician and a man of business 
to meddle with politics, and yet at the recent election for city officers he 
was nominated by the republican party for Mayor, during his absence 
at the East, and elected by a handsome majority in what is usually a 
stronghold of the opposite party. The high degree of popularity lie has 
always achieved in the performance of official duty is evidence that tlio 
confidence of the public has been well placed. 

As a gentleman, Dr. Bowcn is cliaracterized by a certain quiet dig- 
nity and modesty of bearing only equalled by the positiveness of opinion 
and energy of will which they at first almost concealed from the casual ob- 
server. Ever ready and glad to serve liis friends, and generously dis- 
posed towards all who give evidence of being worthy of his confidence, he 
is no less ready with full measures of wrath amd punishment for such as 
are found to be faithless and false. 

Such is tlie estimate of the writer, who has known him intimately for 
nearly twenty years, and such, it is believed, is the general estimation in 
which he is held by all who enjoy hie acquaintance. 



Biography. "289 

DAVID ATWOOD. 

It accords with the genius of the West tu honor the worker. Those 
who have done much are widely applauded, for there is much here to be 
acconipiished. Untold wealth lies locked in the storehouse of Nature, 
and the work lias heeu to possess ourselves of her treasures. This was 
an unsolved problem thirtj'-two years ago, when the subject of this sketch 
first visited the jMississippi valle}^ and the great Northwest was compara- 
tively undeveloped. Chicago was no larger than hundreds of the present 
western cities and villages, whose sites were then untrodden by tho feet 
of civilized man. Wisconsin did not contain as many inhabitants as are 
now found in one of her cities. There was not a foot of railroad west of 
the Alleghanies. There was no market for produce. Travel was difficult, 
sickness was prevalent, and money was scarce. The men who were to 
possess themselves of this vast region, grapple with its diflfieulties and 
build up states, were the men of foresight and will, content to lead a life 
of deprivation. 

The pioneers of the West were men id" heroic sacriliec, and possessed 
the same free spirit that filled the breasts of the Pilgrim Fathers. They 
were the gallant advance-guard of civilization, sent out by the old army 
entrenched along the Atlantic and its triliutary waters. They came here 
and fought like brave soldiers ; and those who survive are now encamped 
on the field the}^ won, to enjoy the well-earned fruits of their labor. 
Travelers from the Old World are often at a loss to account for the wonder- 
ful resources, the enterprise and self-relia)ice, that distinguish the people 
of the West. These characteristics are the results of a contest in which 
the people of this country are constantly engaged in enlarging the borders 
of civilization. We are at war with the natural obstacles whicli oppose 
the path of progress, lilvery field plowed or lawn leveled, every tree 
planted or seed sown, educates and elevates. Those who inherit cultivated 
places do not ■ always appreciate them; tliey lead pampered lives. But 
those who have caused nature to blossom and to fruit, l^ecome imbued 
with the beauty they have created. To struggle for a bare subsistence 
and shelter, and subsequently for comfort and competency, often develops 
unwonted resources ; and success begets the strength of self-reliance. 
Those who remain in the old homestead frequently observe tliis growth 
of strength and character in the pioneers of prairie-land and the ^Vest. 

Oliver Wendell Holmes says: "The prairies of the NVest are the 
lungs of the continent, and upon reaching them men take a long breath, 
which makes them more largely human than they ever were before." We 
may add that, at every remove westward, a part of man's conservatism 
and follies and many of the haunting shadows of his life, are left in the 

19 



•2!U.» BlOtiRAI'!! v. 

old abaiuloiied litniKv-i. Sccicty does not settle into .select fiivios boro, 
with barriers between high and low, as it does in the older states. There 
is more individuality, and more of the cordial feeling of eommon !)rother- 
hood, than exists among those who have never struggled side by side • 
It is such a feeling, among old settlers, as is said to hav.,^ pervaded the 
hearts of the veterans of the llevolution. It springs from a eonscinusness 
of duty well performed, and the solid satisfaction attending well-re<H!ite;) 
efforts in a common cause. 

Where a ])low struck or a furrow turned not only lielj)s the man him- 
self, but society likewise — where lands rise in value in proportion to tha 
rapid rise and iiicrease of adjacent towns, or the additional facilities offer" 
ed fur getting to market — the worker is the real hero. He is the friend 
of all. The con.sciousness of this makes every man more or less public- 
spirited. It keeps alive those feelings which blaze up into the purest and 
most intense patriotism when dangers threaten the country. It fosters a 
laudable pride in the state or the section of country where he resides. 
This restless spirit whicli has made such wonderful progress in the "West- 
ern World is still abroad. It pushes the dreamers, theorists, and ceremo- 
nious conservatives, to the rear, and advances the practical man iw t'l ■ 
foreground. 

It is because the pioneers are workers, and represent the genius of 
the West, that sketches of their lives possess a historical interest. The 
strongest men are those who are practical, and can dn some useful labor 
well. And of all secular work, perhaps none is so unselfish and public 
in its character as that performed by editors. It is necessarily so, for 
their work is "known and read of all men." 

tJeneral David Atwood, the subject of this .sketch, is osie of the 
pioneer editors in Wisconsin. He was born in Bedford, New Hampshire. 
December 15, ISl"), He belongs to a vigorous and long-lived family. 
His parents were natives of the town of Bedford, and his father lived to 
be ninety-one years of age, and always resided in the same town. The 
early history of Greneral Atwood is that of all sturdy New England boys 
who worked on their fathers' farms in summer and attended district 
schools in winter. It was hot work, wrestling with nature in those sultry 
days on the stony hill-sides of a rough New Knglaud farm, forcing the 
soil to yield subsistence. Cold and raw were the autumn months, and 
hard the struggle through deep drifts and against the blustering winter 
wind on the way to the old school-house. It seemed sometimes as if old 
Boreas lurked about the hills in ambush, waiting for a chance to blow 
away such boys and girls as were not anchored to the earth with plenty of 
bone and muscle. This course of life until he was sixteen years of age 
developed and strengthened him, and firmly fixed those habits of industry 



BrofiRAPHv. 291 

ami frugality which have given iiim subsequent success. He thus became 
■fitted for a fair tight with the world. 

On arriving at the age of sixteen years, he touk up his residence in 
Hamilton, Madison county, New York, and commenced work at a printer's 
case. Five years of assiduous toil intervened before he again saw the 
paternal roof-treo, during which time he had the satisfaction of becoming 
muster of his craft. For nearly three years following ho traveled extens- 
ively through the South and West. Much of the time he was in the 
employ of a printing.house, and his business aiforded him opportunity to 
study the country and become familiar with the resources and character 
of the people. The states of Pennsylvania, 3Iaryland, Virginia, Kentucky. 
(3hio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois were thoroughly explored, and every 
considerable town was visited. General Atwood was first introduced to 
Chicago wlien it lay in a swamp, with a main street muddy and almost 
impassable, and the business of the town centered about a forlorn wooden 
hotel not far from the presei# Tremont House, but on the opposite side 
of Lake street. Declining a tempting offer to engage in business in Cin- 
cinnati he returned to Hamilton, New York, in 1839, where he vindertook 
the publication of a weekly newspaper called the "Palladium," in con- 
junction with his brother. Among the types and as a journalist, for five 
long years he labored on througli tlie "hard-cider" campaign, and until 
the defeat of Henry Clay. 

Some time during these years of journalistic employ, he received a 
commission as adjutant from his Excellency Governor Seward, and a sub- 
sequent commission, duly countersigned by General llufus King, Adjutant 
General, And afterwards editor of the Milwaukee "Sentinel" and Minister 
to Rome. Under Governor Bouck, the father of General Bouck, of 
Oshkosh, Major Atavood was commissioned colonel of a regiment of 
militia, which he commanded for several years, attending regularly tne 
annual encampments and general trainings so well remembered bv New- 
Yorkers in "auld lang syne." 

Finding himself broken in health after the political campaign of 1844 
— a campaign so gallantly fought and so foolishly lost — Colonel Atwood 
again set his face westward. His newspaper had paid expenses and 
nothing more. From a zealous advocacy of the cause of the f:\mous Ken- 
tuckian, which he ardently espoused, and to which he gave five of his 
best years, he came out at length at a pecuniary sacrifice and with health 
seriously impaired. 

Making his way into Illinois in 1815, he- was so much attracted bj 
the beauty and fertility of the prairies that ho at once located on a farm 
near the city of Freeport. Two years of more rugged outdoor occupation 
than had been his Avont — years of brawny development, not unmixed with 



292 Biography. 

financial trouble and discouragcmeut on account of the failure of crops — 
served to restore the colonel's health and to induce him to again engage 
in editorial labors. Being directed to AVisconsin as a terx-itory of thrift 
and promise, he was induced to establish himself at Madison, at that day 
the capital of the territory, but a small and inconsidcralile village. In 
1847 he beanie connected witli the Madison "Express," a Vv'hig paper 
the editorial labor and management of wliich he assumed and continued 
with i*; until the autumn of 1852, when he brought into its place the "Daily 
State Journal," which he lias ever since pul)lished. Having carefully 
reported the proceedings of the closing sessions of the Territorial Legis. 
lature convened at 3Iadison, and the entire proceedings of the Constitutional 
Convention, he has the Iionor of possessing more direct familiarity with 
the action of these bodies thanjjerhaps any other man living. He wields a 
ready pen, and has a reputation for writing with accuracy and dispatch. 
By habit he holds his ideas in solution ready for use. Having a retentive 
memory, combined with a skill to take on,^he wing the thoughts that cross 
his mental vision, and an analytical mind, he is enabled to adorn the 
journalistic profession with manv and valuable gifts. 

During the term of the Hon. L. J. Farwell, Governor of Wisconsin, 
(leneral Atwood lield the position of Quartermaster-General of the 
state. In the management of tbc "Journal," soon after its establishment, 
he associated with himself as cocditor the Hon. Horace Rublee, now 
United States Minister to Switzerland, a man of intellectual strength and 
fine culture. The paper has always occupied a leading position and has 
become firmly established. It has ever been public-spirited and enter- 
prising, and Republican in politics. So far as its influence extends, it 
may be regarded as the reflex of the enterprise of its founder. 

In 1858 he was commissioned Major-General of the Fifth Division of 
the State Militia. For a number of years he has been one of tlie leaders 
in the ranks of the Republican ^larty in Wisconsin. He became a mem. 
ber of the Legislature in 1801, and was chosen Speaker pro teni. of the 
Assembly. On account of his known integrity and executive ability, he was 
appointed United States Assessor when that oflice was first created. For 
thirteen years he was treasurer of the State Agricultural Society, and de- 
clined a re-election in 1870. In 1868 he held the office of Mayor in the 
city of Madison. At the Republican State Convention in September 
in 1869, on the first ballot for Governor, he received fifty -three votes, 
with a large majority of those from his own district: a flattering compli- 
ment to his political standing, considering that that district had above 
half a dozen candidates in the field. 

The death of Hon. Benjamin F. Hopkins, January 1, 1870, left 
the Second District of Wisconsin unrepresented in Congress. The Gov- 



BtOCRAPHY. '■"^" 

enior ordered a special election and General Atwood was presented as a 
candidate by the unanimous vote of the delegates from Dane county and 
was nominated to fill the vacancy. His political opponents paid him the 
unusual compliment oi declining to nominate a candidate against him. He 
was elected on the 15th of February, 1870, and took his seat immediately 

afterwards. 

During that long and laborious session, which lasted nearly six months, 
he dcvoted°himself assiduously to his duties, on the floor, in the committee 
rooms and at the various Executive departments of the government, 
in behalf of those seeking assistance or information. He gained the repu- 
tation of being one of the most useful and influential new members ever 
in AVashington. A glance at the acts of Congress shows that this reputa- 
tion was well earned. Bills of great importance to the Northwest and to 
Wisconsin, in which he was deeply interested, were passed after he enter- 
ed the House. Among others were the Northern Pacific Railway bill, to 
render the land grant available and thus ensure the construction of {be 
line ; the act in relation to the Improvement of the Fox and Wisconsin 
Rivers, f&r completing the navigable water channel from the Mississippi 
to Lake Michigan ; and tlie act dividing Wisconsin into two judicial Dis- 
tricts, providing for the appointment of a judge, and for holding terms of 
court in four places instead of two. 

These bills eff"ect material interests of moment It has been said that 
the completion of the Northern Pacific Railway will, in efl"ect, "place 
Wisconsin two Ijundred miles south on the map." It is clear that the 
construction of a navigable steamboat channel across the state from Q-reen 
Bay to Prairie dn Chien would save millions of dollars yearly in cost of 
transportation to the producers of the Northwest. The division of the 
state into two judicial districts afforded much needed facilities to the 
people. There was opposition to these measures ; but it was met and 
overcome. It is the quiet work that tells. It is in committee rooms and 
conversation that a man of sterling worth, who has a knowledge of men, 
makes his influence felt Here General Atwood is at home. 

In person General Atwood is of medium stature, with dark blue eyes 
and silver gray hair. His features are regular, and particularly pleasant 
and expressive when in conversation. In private character he is above 
suspicion or reproach. As a public man and a politician it is sufficient to 
remark that his instincts are strongly Republican, without the element of 
partisan l)itterness. He possesses valued friends in all parties, and in con- 
trover.sy exhibits the frankness and modesty of a true gentleman. As a 
public man he has accomplished much for the advancement of education 
and the general welfare of society. In all projects to increase the national 
prosperity of the West he has been foremost. In private life he is bene- 



•204 BlOGKAl'HV. 

volent and hospita'ole ; in politics, hopeful ; in mental cast, shrewd and 
practical. He is such a representative of the coming men and workers 
of the West, that he has been mentioned by his editorial friends, as the. 
"Benjamin Franklin of the Wisconsin press." 

General Atwood's prosperity is the fruit of his own unaided labor. 
He has toiled hard, without being warped by his work ; he has secured 
a competency, without relaxing the diligence with which it was acquired ; 
he has been honored with position without forgetting less prosperous days. 
His life is a success. 



ALEX. A. ARNOLD. 

of (lalesvilie, Trempealeau Co., Wi**., was born in the town of Kheinbeck, 
Dutchess Co., New York, October 25th 1833, was brought up on the 
large farm of his father, C. H. R. Arnold. Esq., of the town of Stanford, 
Dutchess Co., where he spent most of his summers until the age 2'J. He 
bad the advantages <>f family schools until the age of 12 during the 
winter and district-school during the summer. From that age until ho was 
18 he attended academies and college Taught school during the winter 
months from that age until 22, when he attended tiie Ohio Law-school, 
where he graduated at the age of 23. During the winter of 1856 and 
1857 he studied law in the office of Theodore Miller of Hudson, at present 
one of thejudsres of the Supreme court of the state of N. Y. and received 
his diploma after an examination at Albany before the Supreme Court of 
the state (tf N. Y. In the spring of 1801 he reutoved to Wisconsin, was^ 
admitted to the Circuit Court at Elkhorn. Walworth Co. Settled at 
Galesville in June 1867 and commenced the practice of law. Was ap- 
pointed district attorney for the Co. of Trempealeau in 1868. Wa^ 
surveyor and surveyed many of the new lands for the new settler.-* then 
cominjr to that Co. Was married in 1869 to Miss Hettie E. Tripp, 
daughter of Isaac Tripp of Wayne Co., N. Y., by whom he had one 
daughter. In 1861 he lost his beautiful and accomplished wife. In 1801 
was elected superintendent of schools for Trempealeau Co. In 1860 
ran for the Assembly on the Democratic ticket against Roinango Bunn, 
present judge of 6th judicial district for the state of Wisconsin, and 
was defeated. In August 1862, enlisted in the U. S. service. Elected 
Captain of Co, C, 30th Wis. Vols, spent the first year of his service 
together with the balance of his regiment in the state doing patrol duty and 
enforcing the draft. In the spring of 1863, was ordered up the IMissouri 
River to join Q-en. Sully in his expedition against the Sioux Indians. The 
regiment l)uilt Forts 'Sully and Rice, relieved Capt. Fisk and was with 



BlOGKAPUY. 'iy-") 

(xcn. Sully during his cauijiaign. Regiment was ordered tu join Grcn. 
Sherman in Oct. 18(Jo, built themselves liat-boats and floated down the 
Missouri River 1300 miles to St. Joseph, Missouri, and arrived in Louis- 
ville, Kciituckj, after Sherman had left on his "march to the sea." 
Was ordered to join Thomas at the tight at Nashville, but had orders to 
stop at Bowling Green to defend that place which was threatened. Re- 
mained there two months and was then sent to Louisville where it re- 
niained nntil the close of the war, taking and hanging guerillas and trans- 
sporting prisoners from the South to the northern prisons. The captain was 
in command of the regiment most of the time after he arrived in Kentucky, 
the field officers bidng detached. In Oct 1865, was mustered out of the 
service and spent one year at his old home in Dutchess Co. In 18(5r> he 
purchased a large farm at Galesviile and has from that time l)eeii engaged 
in the pursuit of agriculture. In the fall of 1870 was unexpectedly nom- 
inated for the Assembly for 1871, and elected by a small majority over 
ivfo op}»osing candidates. 

lu Feb. 1869 was again married to .Miss. Mary J. Dougla.y of 31flru«e. 
Jackson Co. and now after a marriage of two vears has one t^'tn six 
Toonths of age. 

Mr. Arnold takes great jtride in his present profession of agricul- 
tr.re, intends to devote the balance of his life to the pursuit, and desires 
to be one of the principal blooded stock growers of the Northwest. 



HENRY 0. MONTAGUE. 

Hetiry U. Montague was born in Onondaga County, State of New 
York, Aug. I'J, 1835 : came to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1854 ; took up 
his residence in 1854 where he has resided since that date ; was admitted 
to the bar in 1864, and practiced his profession until 1st Sept. ISt!;"*, when 
lie enlisted as a private in the 12th Regiment of Wis. Vols. Infantry, and 
served with his regiment in all grades from private to 1st Lieutenant until 
July, 18G4, when he was appointed assistant adjutant general of his 
brigade, with rank of captain, Mnd in that capacity till the end of hig 
term of service. He took part in the following battles : Jeiferson, Stone 
River, Chickamauga, Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Dalton, Peach Tree Creek, 
Atlanta and Jonesboro. 

He was appointed U. S. assessor in December 1864, and remained 
in this po.sition until March, 1865, when he was appointed Postmaster at 
Whitewater, whicii position he still occupies. He was also elected magis- 
trate in 1 *71. 



296 IJlOGRAPUY. 

Tho number and variety of official positions occupied hy Captain 
Montague are the best proofs that could be given of his competency to 
dischai'ge the duties required of him, His strict integrity, close atten- 
tion to official business, and pleasing manner gained for him the full and 
undivided confidem-e of the people, which he still enjoys, and will, no 
doubt, continue to enjoy as lon^ so it may answer his purj)oso to remain in 
the public service. 



Hon. ALEXANDER CIRAI-IAM. 

The subject of this brief sketcli was born in Oneida County, New 
York. His father was Scotch, and his mother whose maiden name waa 
Richter, was of G^erman extraction. Received an academical education at 
Homer Academy, New York, and commenced life a schoolteacher, in which 
vocation he continued about 5 years, ^leanwhile he occupied his spare time 
in studying law witli the late Edward Quin Esq. of Watkins, New York, 
not with the view to its jiractice as a profession but to more fully quaiifj 
himself for an intelligent liusiness man. Commenced life without :i. dollar, 
but lie had what was better capital than money, industry, economy, coupled 
with business capacity of high order, in combination with a will power 
that in his case made success almost certain wlicn under ordinary circum- 
stances disaster and failure would have ensued. He married a daughter 
of (len. Martin Keep, of Home, New York. 

In 1843 he engaged in milling and an extensive lumber busi- 
ness in Tompkins Co. New York, prosecuting it successfully until 1^48, 
when he sold out the milling business and purcliased a farm, thence- 
forward giving a portion of his time to agriculture, and in the year 1855, 
took the 1st premium on farms in the County of Schuyler. During his 
residence in Tompkins County, he was elected to the office of Superinten- 
dent of schools, supervisor and in 185U was elected to the assembly, where 
as a member of the Committee on Canals he took a prominent part in 
bringing forward the measure for the enlargement of the Erie <JanaI. 
This measure passed the assembly, but was defeated in the senate by the 
resignation of eleven Democratic senators, wliicli broke up the legislature. 
The governor called an extra session in the summer following when the bill 
passed both iiouses and became a law by the signature of the governor- 
At this time mucli was being said by tlie people and the press about prison 
reform and at the session of '.")1 the legislature appointed a commission 
of which Mr. Graham was a member, to examine the hnancial condition 
and general management of the prisons of the state and report to the 
legislature of 1852, and the result was a reform in the discipline ol" those 
institutions. 



Biography. • '297 

Mr. Graliaui came to Jancsville, Wisconsin, iu 18r)S, where ho still 
resides. His business since he became a resident of Wisconsin has been 
principally real estate though not entirely. Few men have done more to 
promote the general growth a,nd prosperity of the city of TTanesville tho-n 
Alex. (Irahani. 

Tiie next year after he came to Janesville he vras elected one of the 
school commissioners and iu the fall of 18G0 he was elected to the as- 
sembly from the city of Janesville. As Chairman of the Committee on 
Banks and Banking, he made relentless warfare on the wild cat banks of 
the state, and succeeded in securing the passage of a law tliat iu a very 
short time drove the stump tail currency out of circulation. 

This was the period not only of financial distress but of political ex- 
citement that resulted iu the rebellion, following which Grov. Eandall 
called an extra session of the legislature with a view to enable Wisconsin 
to contribute her share in the defence of the TTnion. At this session Mr. 
Graham was appointed Chairman (on the part of the assembly) of a joint 
select committee of thirteen, charged with the duty of drafting and report- 
ing military and financial bills for the consideration of the legislature. This 
committee was subdivided. Senator Gill (being chairman on the part of 
the senate, ) taking charge of the military bills and Mr. Graham drafting 
the financial. Mr. Graham was also the real author of the bill of the 
same session providing for aid to families of soldiers. 

In 186as4 he w elected a member of the common councd, in whicli 
capacity he served for eight years and Avas twice elected its president. 

In 1869, he was again elected to the assembly, serving as chairman 
of the committee on railroads. During this session he secured the pas- 
sage of several important measures, calculateJ to promote greatly the in- 
terests of the city of Janesville. 

Ho was an early advocate of the political equality of all men, and as 
early as 185U wa-ote a series of articles which were published at the time, 
in favor of the oi-ganization of a new party, pledged to oppose the further 
extension of slavery. Such a position at that time was deemed radical in 
^"e extreme and the author of such aproposition a "Woolly Head" oftlm 
first water. 

He is in favor of universal suffrage, universal amnesty, universal 
(even compulsory) education, iu favor of reform in civil service and op- 
posed to high protective tarilF, favors a tariff for revenue strictly, thinks 
the people might be relieved from at least 100,000,000 national taxation, 
and still have sufficient to defray the ordinary expenses of the Government, 
economically administered, pay tlie interest on the nation.-il debt and still 



-OS HlOGKAPHY. 

have sufficient left for a sinking fund sufficiently- iarge to preserve the na- 
tional credit. 

Mr. (rraham is not a professional politician, simply answering to his 
name while "drafted" etc. etc. etc., his name is suggested anionir others as 
a candidate for the nest srovernor of Wisconsin. 



JOHN O'ROTJKKE. 

was Lorn near the city of Limerick, Ireland, in ISr't), and educated there ; 
came to America in 1854, and landed in New York ; moved to Milwaukee 
in the same year where he Avas employed as book-keeper till 18G1, when 
he was commissioned as Capt. of the Montgomery (luard, and voluntoered 
for active service ; was attached to the Gtli Regiment of Vvisconsin volun- 
teers, and took a conspicuous part in quelling the bank riots which took place 
that year in 3Iilwaukee. Governor Harvey telegraphed for the captain 
in 186'2, and oftered him the couunand of tlie 17th Wisconsin Regiment, 
which he refused, but accompanied him to St. Louis to sea the regiment 
paid off there. On his return to Madison, the governor commi.ssioncd him 
as Capt. of the 11th Wisconsin Battery, a!ul sent him with some men to 
'-'hieago, where he recruited and filled up the battery, and had it attached 
to Col. Mulligan's Irish Brigade. The C;ipt. was next commis.'!ion«<l by 
the Governor of 111. as Capt. of Battery L, 1st 111. Light Artillery. 
While filling up the battery in Camp Douglas, Chicago, the sad news 
of Governor Harvey's death was reported. On the arrival of Governor 
Harvey's mortal remains at Chicago, the Capt. removed and escorted it, 
with all his men in full dress, all the military officers in the city, includiag 
the lamented ^luUigan, joining in the procession, whicli made it a very re- 
spectable funeral escort to the cars at the Chicago and Nnrthwesreru Rai^ 
Road Depot. 

The gallant Capt. v,-ent to the field in Virginia wi;li colonel Mullii;an 
and served with him until about the time he was killed. The Capt. was 
part of the time Chief of Artillery ; was captured in 1803, and was one 
of the immortal GOO officers s'.'ut by the rebel authorities to the city of 
Charleston, and placed under the fire of their own guns. The Capt escaped 
from the enemy six times ; was recaptured five times, and the sixth time lie 
and his party made their own; he served in the i)ay department untilOctober, 
I •'^Go.w'hen he came to this state and settled inJuneauCduntv, in mercantile 
business, was elected to the legislature of the state in 1^07; and was 
elected County Treasurer of Juneau County, in the fall of 1868. The 
Capt. is reputed to be an accQinplished swordsman, a fine pistol shot, 
and an excellent artillerist. 



KiOGRAPlJY. -01' 

Hon. a. E. BRALEY. 

The subject of this sketch was born in AVyoining County, New York, 
February 11, 1822 ; came to Wisconsin in 1835 ; settled at Dolavan. 
Walworth County : was admitted to the bar t# practice law in 1848 by 
Judge Dunn, then territorial-Judge ; began the practice first at Johnstone 
Rock County, in 1849 ; came to Madison to reside in 1853, and formed 
partnership with the late Judge Rays. He was elected Judge of the 
Police Court in 1868, and was elected City Attorney, which he held for 
^ne year. In 18G9, the Judge moved to Waukesha, where he remained 
for nearly two years In Waukesha, he experienced a dome.«tic shock by 
the death of his only child, a bright and promising boy of about six years 
of age, which very naturally overwhelmed him with grief, which melanch- 
oly event and the ill health of his beloved wife induced liim to return to 
Madison, where he now resides. Judge Braley it; said to have given great 
satisfaction while practicing as municipal judge, and city attorney at 
Madison. The biographer has read an oration delivered by the judge 
about a year ago which attests his talent. He also has read an essay of 
Viis, entitled "Two Hours Among the Dead," whiah was well written. 



(tKOHGE H. PAUL. 

was born at Danville Vermont in 18"2G ; learned the printing trade there; 
graduated at the University of Vermont ; studied law at Harvard Univer- 
sity ; published the Burlington Sentinel in 1848; was appointed post- 
master at Burlington, Vermont, by president Polk ; received the degree 
of Master of Arts from Vermont University in 1850; removed to Wis- 
consin in 1857, publislied the Kenosha Democrat several j-ears ; was 
assistant secretary of the Wisconsin Senate in 1853 ; appointed postmas 
ter of Kenosha by President Pierce, reappointed by President Buchanan; 
was Mayor of Kenosha two years ; member of the Kenosha County board 
of supervisors ; superintendent of tlie County poor : douiocratic candidate 
for State Senator from Kenosha County ; editor of the New York New.^ 
in 1861 ; removed to Milwaukee and became editor of the Milwaukee 
News the same year ; purchased a portion of the News establishment in 
1862; -democratic candidate for the assembly for the 5th district of 
Milwaukee County in 1866; elected to the Milwaukee city board of 
school commissioners in 1870; elected superintendent of Milwaukee 
schools soon after, holding that ofiice till May, 1871 ; was president of the 
Milwaukee News Co. Has been connected with tlie press twenty-four 
consecutive years. 



300 Biography. 

It may not be irrelevant to state in this oonnection, tliat the 
rapid progress already made by this comparatively young country in science, 
literature, art, etc. is, in a great measure, due to the common school system, 
and to the newspaper press. The common schools enable every one to 
read and write, and the newspaper press carries useful information to 
every house at such a rate as to be within the reach of even the working 
classes. It is astonishing what a visible improvement the short space of 
thirty years has effected in the editorial department of the American press, 
which now compares favorably with any in Europe. 



CHARLES MAAS. ax old settlek, 

was born in ISoG. and came to America with his parents in 1>'45. His 
father, Gottlob Maas, purchased a farm in the Town of Wauwatosa, out- 
side tiie city limits, on the Fond du Lac Avenue, well known as the 
Maas farm, on wliich he carried on the business of a farmer, till his death. 
Charles cultivates a part of this farm and keeps a large dairy. 



THOMAS P. COLLINGBOURNE 

was born in tlie city of Leicester, in Leicestershire, England, in 1825, and 
was educated in the Scientific Institute tliere. He was apprenticed to the 
painting and decorating business in said city, for six years. Came to 
New York in 1845, and from New York to Milwaukee, where he has carried 
on business on a large scale up to the present. He is at present alder- 
man of the city of Milwaukee, and has the most extensive business in the 
state of his line. 



PATRICK Mclaughlin. 

< hie of the Nature's best noblemen has gone from amongst u.s. Yes, 
Patsy McLaughlin is dead. Our dearly beloved, and long-to-be 
mourned Patsy is gone forever. He was peremptorily summoned, at 
a short notice, to appear before a tribunal where his usefulness and 
many virtues will be duly acknowledged, appreciated, and rewarded. The 
Chief Engineer of the Fire Department of the City of Milwaukee was a 
very rare and extraordinary character. Not every day — no, not ever}'^ 
century brings forth such a man. 

Born of Irish parents, belonging to the working classes, receiving the 
nnliments of education in New York till he attained the age of eleven 
years, when lie removed to Milwaukee, and firiisliing it at the (.'hristiaii 



El on J!. ACHY. 301 

Brothers' ssbool in this city, witiuiut any social intercourse (.luring his 
boy-hood with the bettor classes in wliose company he might be initiated 
in the ways of the world, and improved in manner and habits — without 
any of these personal advantages, he became a great and good man in his 
way — he was entirely a self taught man — he was the architect of his own 
fame and often earned it at the fearful risk of his nwn life, as will be 
shown hereafter. 

The Chief Engineer of the Fire l)e})urtment was small in person, be- 
ing considerably under the middle size, but was active, determined, and 
brave ; fearing no danger where duty called liim, or required his presence. 
The little chief was a hero, in the true sense i)f the term. A mercenary 
general who displays physical strength, great skill and ingenuit}^ in devis- 
ing means to destroy life and property in order to punish a neighboring 
king or emperor for an imaginary insult perhaps, is called a hero. 
The historian of the event exercises all his intellectual faculties, and ran- 
sacks the many pages of a voluminous dictionary to find suitable terms "to 
extol the fame of his hero, and transmit his name to posterity, while he 
who risks his own life to save the life and property of others is forgotten 
immediately after his own generation has passed away ; ajid his fame and 
name are allowed to slide into the gulf of oblivion without leaving a single 
trace on record. The history of both ought to be recorded, as peculiarly 
calculated to transmit a useful moral lesson to posterity. The oi'.e is a 
demon, whose mission is to destroy life and property without sufficient 
cause. The other hero is an angel, whose mission is to save life and prop- 
erty, even at the risk of his own life. Such has been the mission of our 
late chief of the Fire Department of Milwaukee. He was the watchful 
sentinel and sleepless guardian and safeguard of our city. His heart 
and soul were wrapt up in his profession, of which he was a perfect mas- 
ter. No pleasure — no enjoyment could induce him to neglect his duty, 
which was paramount to every thing earthly. The fame of such a man should 
not be soon forgotten. The history of his useful and blameless life should 
be written in letters of gold, and transmitted to posterity as a salutary ■ 
example for others to follow. Tins little hero's life is a perfect illustra- 
tion of what a 3'oung man can do to raise himself to eminence and distinc- 
tion by beginning as he did, and pursuing the same course. Our little 
chief's life is somewhat similar to that of the enemy he so often was called 
upon to conquer and subdue. Both generally began very small. That 
enemy often had its origin in the accidental ignition of alucifer match, in 
the careless deposit of a tobacco pipe containing the dying embers of the 
favorite weed. The little chief commenced his professional life as a link 
and torch boy, and by his talent, good conduct and strict attention to 



"02 BlOOKAl'HY. 

husiuccis wurkotl liis way up through the (lifforeiit gnulatiuiis of bis pro- 
fession till he became chief engineer — till he became tlie best tire engineer 
in the United States, perhaps in the world. The oneuiy the little chief 
had to Jight never sent a flag of truce, or had the good grace to accept. 
When the battle oommencod that enemy had no mercy, nor ceased to 
destroy till all the com1)ustible matter in its vicinity was completely con- 
siiirked, if not conijuerod and subdued liy its antagonistic element water. 
Tn every capacity, the late chief displayed consummate skill, great energy- 
jKroniptncss to act in difficult emergencies, fearlessness in the midst of 
danger and beroic bravery, whicli deservedly earned for his memory and 
mortal reinsiins lionors paid only to kings and einpurors. Since the day 
the first white man placed his foot on the soil of Wisconsin, no man's re- 
mains were visited by so many persons, as those of tke late chief en- 
gineer. While lying iu state in City Hall, no less than 14,000 persons 
visited his mortal remains daily. As to his funeral, no one could form 
an estimate, approaching the (ruth, of the numbers that composed it. 
The late good, and never to be forgotten, Solomon Juneau, the founder 
of this city, is said to have had more carriages in his funeral, tluin in that 
af the chief, but not the fourth of the number of pedestrians. The writer 
of this history does not state these facts from personal knowledge, though 
present on both occasions. 

In his opinion, no one could form even an approximate estimate of 
the vast numbers that attended the ob,sequies of chief engineer McLaugh" 
lin. Much praise is due to our citizens for the feeling of sorrow generally 
manifested on tlie death of tho late Chief McLaughlin, by reason of his 
many virtues, and public services. The late demonstration will have its 
moral effects. It will show that the acts of a good man are duly apprecia- 
ted. Popular manifestations of sorrow on the demise of a great and good 
man are morally usefuL They are just and right. To do honor to him 
to whom honor is due, is a duty we owe to every one pre-eminently dis- 
tinf'uished for science, art, or literature, for inventions of public utility — 
for supporting national rights, when wrongfully invaded, for public and 
private charities, having no reference to religious sects— for disinterested 
patriotism — for personal wealth, honestly accumulated, and liberally laid 
out in promoting the general interest and advancement of the state or 
district in which tlie owricr resides; for the faithful, honest, and able dis- 
charge of his duty, by a public officer, and for many other ])crsonal acts 
of a minor character. To make the contrast appear more palpable between 
the acts of the <^ood and the bad, it would be an improvement in American 
life, if public opinion were brought to bear on evil doers more heavily 
than is the custom at present. 



BiouitAiMiv. 303 

Public opiuiou oui^ht to bi' brouohf, t') be;ir uri swiiidier.s who obtain 
aiuucy under false pretence, run in debt wherever they can obtain credit, 
and commit frauds in various ways, and vfho screen themselves beliind the 
laws that protect the salary of office holders, and a certain amount of 
personal pro(icrty and real t^-state from attachment or cxecutioi:. The 
laws in these cases are wise and merciful, but v.-hen abused, the conduct of 
evil doers should be manifested by public disapproval, not by large meet- 
tings called for that purpose, but l)y avoiding evil doers coolly- and 
shunning their company. If a swindler such as is described above should 
escape punishment, he should be designated by a more appropriate name 
than — a smart fellow. 

When an evil doer, such as above described, is allowed to return t(j 
his home, after having expiated, in the jail or penitentiary, for crimes 
absolutely coniniitted he should gee the -'cold shouhler" instead of being 
received with open arms. 

The writer was walking with a gentleman on one of the avenues in 
Detroit, about twenty-three years ago, who pointed to a well dressed 
young gentleman linked between two fashionably dressed ladies, saying 
"that fellow has only returned from jail ten days ago, where he was con- 
fined for three years for swindling on a large scale and tho.se two young 
ladies linked with him are very respectable." The pet name — a smart 
fellow, and his reception by two respectable ladies would not be likely to 
reform the swindlers' conduct, who as a cool reception and the "cold shoul- 
der" would show tlie necessity, in a worldly point of view, of a reforma- 
tion in his conduct ; persons incarcerated for political crimes are not inclu- 
ded. Sojue of these observations may not be considered relevant to the 
subject, but the author conceives that they are necessary te carry out his 
views. 

Chief McLaughlin was a thorough master of his profe.ssion. AVheii 
a tire Avas announced, he hastened thither with the speed of lightning, 
commenced his plan of operation with great promptitu.de and sound judg- 
ment ; directed his great gun — the hose, charged with water ; took his 
aim and hit his mark with a precision of one eminently skilled in the 
science of hydraulics, and art of gunnery, as derived from the nature of a 
parabolic curve and projectile force cmplayed. 

After a few brief lessons explanatory of the machinery employed in 
*he lately invented telegraph to transmit intelligence of fire, the chief 
acquired a perfect knowledge of its use, and became familiar with all the 
chemicals necessary to run the institution, as though he had been a pupil 
of Liebig or Sir Humphry Davy. The writer can state this extraordin- 
ary aptitude of the little chief to pick up a knowledge of machinery and 
fiuimical ino-redients from personal knowied^e derived from conversation 



304 ElOGUAVIiY. 

on the subject, and from frequent visits to his chemical rouni. He wouhl 
have made a great mathematician, if lie could have received instructions 
at an early age. He had the organ of number strongly marked, according 
to what we are taught by the science of phrenology. A detached history 
of all the dangers he passed through to save tlio life of others at the risk 
of his own would fill some pages. 

On Monday, Septempcr 24, IbGG, a fatal casualty uccurcd un Spring 
Street, Milwaukee, in what was known as Birchard's Block, which had 
been burned a short time before, leaving a portion of the old brick walls 
standing. Workmen were engaged in rebuilding the block, and had erected 
new walls to the height of the third story, when a strong wind' swept a 
large portion of tlie west wall toward the inside of the building. Carrying 
floors workmen and all that came in their way to the cellar. The part 
played by the assistant of the fire department, Patrick McLaughlin', on 
this occasion was thus alluded to in the ]\rilwaukec Daily News of the en- 
suing morning : 

"Mr. Patrick McLaughlin, first assistant of the Pire Department, de- 
serves special mention for his conduct in rescuing one of the victims of the 
calamity, who was stopped on the second floor, and in bringing him down 
tlie ladder alone and unassisted". 

There was something superhuman in this lieroic act, when we con- 
sider the frightful danger in the attempt, and the diminutive size of him 
who performed the humane act, unassisted. The physical strength of the 
little assistant fireman could not have performed what has been here sta_ 
ted, if he had not been inspired by a desire, more than human, to save 
the sufi"ering victim. This is a positive proof, that the courageous and humane 
assistant would sooner sacrifice his own life than neglect a duty which, he 
considered, called upon liim to save anotiicr. The subject of this sketch 
followed the business of a carpenter and shingle maker for four years on 
his own accoimt, in each of which lie excelled. He was first connected 
with the Department in 18-54, when he began with the snmllest duties of 
his profession. He served as Hose Captain, and Secretary to Engine No. 
6, in the old Volunteer Department ; was hose driver and pipe man of 
Steamer, Milwaukee No. 1 ; then became foreman of that con:ipany ; was 
1st assistant chief Engineer in 1865, and was promoted to the rank of 
chief Engineer in April, 18G.5, by Hon. Edward O'Neill, tlien Maj'or of 
the City, and now President of the Bank of Commerce, which proves the 
sense of justice and discriminatorj^iudgement of Mr. O'Neill. 

Mr. McLaughlin left four brothers and one sister who is married : he 
did not chew, smoke or drink intoxicating liquors in all his life ; had his 
life insured and owned a house and lot ; he left no ready money, being 



BlOiilVAPHY. ^^^ 

well kiiowu to have given most of Ms salary in charity; made no will. 
He lost his health in an attempt to save the lires of two men at the burn- 
\n<r of the variety theatro in Broadway some two years ago, caused by the 
bursting of an oil lamp. He brought the two men dead out of the flam- 
ng building, but lost his health, which he never recovered. 

(From the Daily Guide.) 
TuK LvsT OUT v.— Meeting of diffeeent Boniiis.— Resolutions 

PASSED BY DIFFERENT OUG.VNIZATIONS.— HoW THE DEATH OF 

Chief McLaughlin affects the people.— 
\s was announced in our columns, a joint convention of the Common 
Council was held last evening at the City Hall. Upon the object of the 
meeting being stated by the Mayor, tlie highly gifted City Attorney, E. 
a. Ryan, delivered the following cloiiuent eulogy : 

The heroes of human life are not always the heroes of history. Many 
men play great parts in life, die out of the world, and arc forgotten as 
soon as the generation to which they belonged has passed away. To this 
class eminently and emphatically l^elonged the late Patrick McLaughhn, 
Chief Encvinoer of the Fire Department of this city. A heroic life is tru- 
ly ended in his premature death. A perfect master of his calling, devoted 
to its duties, proud of its responsibilities, a man whom duty never summoned 
in vain, a man whom danger never appalled and indecision never paralyzed 
in the arduous duties of his office, Patrick McLaughlin was in the truest 
sense of the word a hero ; a hero to save and not to destroy. 

He made his own place in life by force of his own honorable ambi- 
tion and his own conscientious self-devotion to duty , From a link-boy in 
,>ur fire department he rose to its chief ; and we do not believe that he has 
left his superior, if indeed lie have left his eciual, in any part of the world 
as the head of a fire department. He seemed to be a fireman by natural 
instinct. He studied his calling until it was with him a positive science. 
He controlled the fire alarm telegraph with an intelligent precision which 
we believe to have been wholly unrivalled. Li the presence of a fire, his 
commanding self-DOSsession and coolness, intuition and unerring judgment, 
his utter insensibility to danger, his supreme self-devotion to the duties of 
the exigency, made him absolute master of the position, and seemed al- 
most to give him a personal dominion over the destroying element. It 
was by no good fortune, by no accident, that a city so combustible as this 
has of late been so singularly free from destructive fires. It was due to 
the genius, the courage, untiring and unshrinking self-devotion of this 
man And the cost to the city has been his life. He wore himself out 
in its service. In that service he spared himself for no exhaustion, for no 
sickness With him, health and life itself were secondary considerations 



306 BlOOIlAPHY. 

to the duties of life. A man so heroic in his whole cluuaeter should ac- 
cording to our ordinary notions, have had a stalwart, massive frame. He 
was in stature and appearance more a boy than a man, and his great soul 
wore out his little bod}^ in the arduous and exhausting discharge of his duties 
as the guardian of our lives and property against fire. Since our memor- 
able fire, his health has steadily declined. His exertions then to save the 
lives of others ultimately cost him his own ; and he goes down to bis grave 
the martyr as well as the the hero of his office. 

But great as were his official merits, it was not for that we chiefly ad- 
mire him. We loved Patsy McLaughlin — and we still cling to that familiar 
appellation of a sign of our love — for the genuine simplicity, purity and 
integrity of his oharacter. Theman's whole character is genuine. There 
was no taint of affectation or pretence about him. His character and his lifw 
were perfectly truthful, direct and open. There was something rarely 
noble in the guileless simplicity of his nature. He seemed to have no 
comprehension of deceit, or intrigue, or indirection. Conspicueiu?ly I>ohl 
and able and energetic amongst men, he was as gentle and kindly affec- 
tionate as a woman. He was singularly disinterested. He was devoted 
to his duties from pure love of them and those whom he served. He was 
a man and may have had his faults; but we did not see them. He was 
a thoroughly good, generous, warm-hearted man. 

Speaking, as we believe, the unanimous voice of the people of !Mil- 
waukee, we therefore pass the following resolutions ; 

1st. That the death of Patrick McLaughlin, late Chief Engineer of 
the Fire Department of this city, is a public calamity ; leaving a vacancy 
in one of the most important offices in the city, which we have no hope of 
goon seeing filled with the wonderful skill, judgment and courage with 
which ho filled it, to the security of the city at home and its honor abroad. 

2d. That his death has not only cost the city a great and good officer 
but a most excellent mouiber of society, dear to us all, and in tlie hightr 
and truer sense of the word the most popular man amongst us. 

3d. That as a tribute to his worth as an officer and a man, all the 
offices of the city be draped in mourning for thirty days ; that until .".fter 
his interment all the offices of the city be closed ; that this Common Coun- 
eil will attend his funeral in a body, and request all the officers of the city 
to acgompany with us, to their last resting place, the honored remains of 
Patrick McLaughlin. 

The above resolutions were adopted, Aldermau McCarty and Comp- 
troller Quin were appointed a committee to confer with the friends of the 
Chief and the funeral committee. 

The old members of the Volunteer Fire Department also held ^ 
Bfteeting and resolved to attend the funeral. The parties were A. J. 



BlOURAl'UY. S07 

Laiigworthy, J. 0. (jroodricb, Daniel Schultz, H. A. Starr, P. Van Veoh- 
rei), Henry Baestrin, John W. Eviston. 

A meeting of the R) inl of (Jnrlerwriters rusiilteii in the foliowiiio- 
proceedings : 

Patrick MoLuighliu, lat; Oliiof Engineer oi' the Milwaukee Five 
Department, after a brief illness, died at his residence on the 27th day of 
June, 1871. As an expression of our personal rogiird for the deoeased. 
reraemlgering the many noble and self-sacrificing qualities which ha pos- 
sessed, the peculiar fitness and ability displayed at the head of one of th« 
most inipertanfe branches of our city government, a position requiring 
untiring promptness, zeal and energy, with vigilance unceasing, and an 
innate humanity and charity, to whose call he ever nobly responded, regard- 
ing neither personal danger nor death in what he considered the line of 
his duty ; and in fulfillment of our desire, to acknowledge his virtues and 
services in some form which will be an evidence to his comrades and friends 
of the esteem in wkich he was held by this Board, be it 

Resolved, That in the death of Patrick McLaughlin, hue Ohief En- 
oineer of the Eire Department of the city of Milwaukee, our city has lost 
a zealous, vigilant and foarless officer ; tho Fire Department a head, orderly 
:ind wise to direct and heroic to eseente ; the citizens a faithful guardian ; 
the suffering a ready and benevolent friend, and the members of this Board 
a trustworthy advisee and colleague, whose loss we mourn as a personal 
bereavement. 

C. D. Adsit, SEc'ypr© tern. 

The members of the city, press assembled at parlor H of the Newhall, 
and consisted of the following gentlemen : D. (1. Paul, and C H. Kitchell 
of the News ; Alpha Child and Louis Bleyer of the Wisconsin ; P. Y^ 
Deusterofthc Seehote ; W. Gr. Roberts of the Sentinel; and Doerr 
of the Banner and A. A. Singer of the Guide. 

Mr. Kitchell was eleeted chairman and Mr. Doerr secretary. Mr. 
Roberts moved that a committee be appointed to draft resolutions. Mr. 
Singer moved that the chair appoint such committee, which was done, by 
naming Messrs. Roberts, Child, Deuster, the Chairman and Secretary, who 
reported the following resolutions : 

Whereas, The members of the Press of this city have learned, 
with feelings of the most sincere and unfeigned sorrow, of the death of 
Patrick McLaughlin, Chief Engineer of the Fire Department of this city, 
and feel that it is fitting and proper that some public acknowledgmeut 
be made of tho universal respect in which they held him as a man and 
ofiicer ; therefore, 

Resolved, That Patrick MeLavighlin, by his uniform and unvaryiag 
courtesy and kindness te all with whom he came in contact ; by hit ua- 



308 ' BioGRAPiiy. 

swerving and strict principles, and liis blameless life, and by his untiring 
devotion to duty, at any hazard, merited and received our lasting regard 
and enduring respect. 

Resolved, That in his death we feel that we have, individually, lost 
a true friend, and the city a most devoted and untiring officer. 

Resolved, That v/c tender to the relatives of the deceased our honrty 
sympathy and deepest condolence in their affliction, and thnt. as a mark 
of our sorrow, we attend his funeral in a body. 

Resolved, That a copy of those resolutions be transmitted to tlip 
family of the deceased, and published in the papers of the city. 

Mr. Bleycr was then appointed a committee to jjrocure carriages, and 
make other arrangements, that will be required in order to pay due 
respect to our late friend. Mr. Roberts moved to adjourn. Mr. Singer 
amended the motion by adding that the chairman should have the power t^ 
call'another meeting before tlic funeral. \Yhich was carried. 

The citizens, together willi members of the Fire Department met In 
the room were the Chief slept for a number of years. Ex-Mayor Jos. 
Phillips was called to the chair. He stated in brief the object of the 
meeting. A committee to arrange the funeral was then selected, which 
con.sists of John Black, \Vm. Beck, Edward O'Neill, C J. Gary, Jeremiah 
Quin, Joseph Pliillips, Assistant Engineer H. Lippert, J. M. Coughlin, 
of No. 1, Henry Hertor, of No. 2, Edward Bristol, of No. 3, James 
Foley, of No. 4, John Mathias, of No. 5, and Nic Tyson, foreman of Hook 
and Ladder Company. 

Ex-Mayor Edward O'Neill made a few very feeling remarks. "TJjc 
Chief was a noble man, lie was an honest man, he was a man that had not 
his equal. During his administration Patrick McLaughlin had been on*' 
of his best advisers, and that advice was always good and well calcula- 
ted." But Mr. O'Neill could go on no furtlier; he was too full of sorrow 
At any other time he might say more. 

Mr. Black mentioned a few of the noble qualities of the ' -little man. 
He said how be threatened (jestingly) to whip the chief, if he did not 
stop rushing into danger ; and how '."Pat.sy" acted when the Ludington 
Block was reported on fire. 

Comptroller Jeremiah Quin Itoing requested, delivered tlie i'uUowing 
beautiful eulogy : 

Mr. Quia said : Assembled here are intimate friends and associates 
of the deceased from whom no formal eulogy can find utterance. In the 
Common Council Chamber a fitting eulogy has been spoken by the man, of 
allothers amongst u^, most competent to pronounce it. The correct standard 
by which the true greatness of human character should be measured, is 
the depth and extent of the impression which it stamps upon society , 



BroGEAPiiT, 309 

Judged by this standard, Patrick McLaughlin was a great man. The 
gloom pervading every circle of this city's society proclaims a great public 
loss in the untimely death of the man who has so suddenly fallci). It could 
be no oi'dinary character which, emerging from comparative obscurity, backed 
by no advantage of early life, struggled heroically against untold vieissi- 
tudes and impressed itself so strongly in the faith and affections of this 
community. Judging him by results, in his profession he leaves no super- 
ior, but I think it was the precision with which after a single lesson he 
worked that most intricate invention of this age, the Fire Alarm Telegraph, 
that attested his wonderful ability. It came within m}^ information that the 
officer of one of our largest lines of railway on one occasion sought hi« 
i^ervices to regulate their telegraph, when they had in their employ the 
most csmpetent electricians they could find and although he illustrated 
the good judgment of those who were instrumental in his appointment as 
Chief of the Fire Department of tliis city, those friends wdio knew him 
well, mast reo;ret that he eno-a<2;ed i:i a profession so arduous and exacting, 
hy from an intimate knowledge of his business character and integrity we 
have ui) doubt he would achieve as great a success in other walks of life as 
lie did in a profession which no doubt caused his untimely death. Self 
sacrificing in every impulse, his death leaves a void wiiieli will not soon be 
filled. His friends mourn the loss of one who in every sense was a true 
friend and a true man. 

It is right to mention, that v/heu the unexpected call was made on 
the upright and talented city comptroller, he was taken by surprise, and 
therefore fjuite unprepared ; but though he spoke without any jjrevious 
notice or preparation, his effort was a complete success, as proved by the 
well deserved eulogy on the departed Chief of the Fire Department, which, 
under the circumstance is highly creditable to Mr. Quin, as a public 
speaker. 

Funeral Obskiiuies. — Burial oi' CuiEi;' Enginekr McLaughlin. — 
Over Fifteen Thousand People Visit the Remains at 
City Hall Yesterday. —Services at the Cathedral. — 
The Pageant. 

On Saturday morning tlie reuiains of tlie Chief Engineer McLaughlin 
were taken from his residence to the City Hall in a hearse drawn by members 
uf the Fire Department, the fire-bells tolling the while.' 

The body was enclosed in what is loiown as the "Lincoln Casket" 
which was placed upon a black dais, appropriately canopied. The hall 
was draped in white and black, and beside a crucifix at each side of the 
head of the coffin candles were burning. On and about the casket were 
bouquets in trumpets and hose-nozzles, and here and there might be seen 
pieces emblematic of the life and services of the dead. Large numbers 



310 Biography. 

▼isited the hall throughout the day and evening on Saturday; and yester- 
day, before the. funeral hour, it was estimated that over 15,000 men, 
women and children had viewed the pale and emaciated face of th.c little 
Chief. 

At one o'clockthe Mayor, Common Council, and city officers met at the 
City Hall, from which the remains wor« borne to the hearse by pall-bearers, 
two from each steamer and hook and ladder and hose cart, the mourneras 
following, and then the city and county officers, and citizens in general, 
joining in the procession to the cathedral, where funeral services took place 
according to the rites of the Church, Rov. Father Donaghue officiating. 
During the service the Reverend Father delivered an eloquent address 
upon the life and character of the lamented Chief and the lesson conveyed 
by the true and manly course of the deceased. 

The services were directed by the Hon. Edward O'Neill, John Black, 
Esq.. assisted by Capt. D. N. Kasson, and Thomas Shea, and at theii 
conclusion the casket was again lifted and conveyed to the portal from 
which they were soon on their way to their resting plaee at Calvary Cem- 
etery under tlie following order of procession : 

Assistant Chief Engineer Lippcrt. 

Band. 

Members of the Hose and Hook and Ladder Companies, in uniform. 

iSteamer Mthoaukee, with portrait of the Chief heavily draped. 

Supply Hose. 

Steamer Solomon Janenv. 

Supply Hose. 
Steamer Edward O'NeiU. 

Supply Hose. 

Steamer ./. ./. Talhnadgr. 

Supply Hose. 

?teani6r Gcrvmnia, draped in black and white. 

Supply Hose. 

Ex-Engineer Daniel Sehultz. 

Capfcs. A. J. Langworthy and John C. C-oodrich. 

i*tembers of the Old Fire Department. 

Chief of Police Beck. 

Lieutenants Kendrjck and Shaughncssv/. 

Band. 

Drum and Fife Corps. 

Major McCaulay. 

Milwaukee Light Guard. 

Sheridan Guard — Capt. Rooney. 

Hibernian Benevolent Association. 



Biography. 31^ 

Carriages — Pall Bearers. 

Hearse. 

Carriage — Father Donaghue and Assistants. 

Carriages. 

Kelatives and Mourners. 

Carriages. 

Mayor, City Att'n'iiey, Cuuiptrollar, Treasurer, and Common Counsil. 

Carriages. 

County Officers, and Jioai'd of Supervisors. 

Carriages. 

Board of Underwriters. 

Chamber of Commerce. 

Carriage — Press. 

Friends and Citizens. 

Sixty-one Buggies and 'Busses. 

The firemen of the city were headed by the Chief Engineer of Chiea- 

gci, his assistant and eight officers of his department. Besides the vehicles 

enumerated there were forty-one carriages in the procession, and at points 

along Spring street new teams fell into line, making it one of the largest 

and most imposing funeral processions ever witnessed in this city. 

The space about the City Hall, as well as at the Cathedral, wa* 
crowded with spectators, and at the corners of the streets through which 
the procession moved lai'ge numbers were assembled. The flags upon the 
public buildings as well as upon the shipping were displayed at half-mast, 
and throughout the city there was a solemn observance of the day set a- 
part for the mark of respect for the honored dead. 

At the cemetery the exercises were brief, and soon the narrow coutiues 
of the grave embraced all but the name and fame of Patsy McLaughlin, 
which will be recorded in the annals of our city, and will long be borne in 
hallowed remembrance by our citizens, in whose services he sacrificed his 
life. 

Honors to thk Deai;. — Tut; PtR.ArAiNt; ok thk Late Chief. — The 
Funeral To-day. 
All day yesterday the body of Patrick McLaughlin lay in state in the 
City Hall. At an early hour it was borne thither by those who loved him in 
life and mourned sincerely for his death. The building was draped in 
mourning, while the flag floated over it at half-mast. The Council Cham- 
was tastefully and appropriately decorated with festoon* of black and 
white cloth and the national colors. 

• In the center of the ehamber was a low platform covered with black 
cloth. Pillars at the corners, beautifully eovered with the sprigs of cedar > 
supported cross pieces, also adorned with trimmings and crowned with a 



312 Eio(uiAPiiv. 

brass nozzle, the wluilc (H'lKuucuted witii the various portions of a fire- 
man's outfit. On this platform stood the coffin, a beautiful metallic cas- 
ket, of the Lincoln pattern, with a full glass top and silver trimmings, 
finished in imitation of rosewood. It was furnished by Messrs. J. and H. 
B. Kirby, undertakers, and was finished in tlie most elegant manner and 
trimmed with fine white satin. 

All day long a steady stream of visitors poured into and out of the hall, 
where a constant watch v.-as kept by members of the fire department. A 
vast number of people must have looked upon the remains during the day. 
To-day the body will remain at the City Hall, for those who wish to view 
it, till 2 o'clock, when the funeral will take place at the Cathedral. 

Tribute of Respect. — Meeting op the County Officers. 

In common with the City Government and the prominent associations 
of tlie city, the Board of Supervisors and officers of the county hehl a 
meeting to exiH'ess their sense of the loss of our people in the death oC 
Chief McLaughlin. Supervisor Bentley wa,^ called to th.' chair, and Col. 
William Kennedy was appointed secretary. 

The follovt^ing resolutions were reported and adopted : 

Resolved, That we have heard with feelings of the deepest emotion 
of the not unexpected death of Chief Engineer McLaughlin, a man Avhose 
death was brought about in the service of the public and by exposure in 
protecting the property and saving the lives of our people ; that we have 
lost a faithful upright servant whose place it will be difficult to fill ; his 
daring and bravery eminently fitted him for the position he occupied aiul 
his name will be endeared to us by many recollections of his past service.-. 

Resolved, That we attend his funeral in a body, and extend to the 
relatives our heartfelt symiiatliy in the hour of their affliction. 



Extract from the History of my time. 

Having in the preceding pages of the history of my time, prepared 
for the press, given a brief sketch of the history of a few of tlie nobility 
of England, Ireland, and Scotland, and of others prominently distinguish- 
ed in science and literature, an occasional extract from that work may- 
not prove uninteresting to some of the readers of this work. The extracts 
will generally be taken from some part of the author's own work, containing 
an account of some matter or event, in which ho has borne some part 
either directly or incidently. 

Lord Monteagle, who died in some part of last year, was well versed 
in general science. His talents gained for him the high and responsible 
position of Chancellor of the Exchequer in England, which he filled with 



BlOGfRAPHT. 313 

mueli credit to liimbclf, and bcuetit to tli'^ country. To bini is due the 
credit of opening the borough of the eity of Limerick, which, as well as 
all other rotten boroughs in Ireland, had been closed against Roman 
Catliolics for centuries. Having been the first that achieved so ec{uitablc 
a measure, he has a just claim to the gratitude of all liberal minded 
Irishmen, and especially of the Roman Catholics of Ireland, who had 
been long excluded from any participation in the municipal afl'airs (if all 
the boroughs in the kingdom. While in power, he proved, by every act 
of his. to be a true benefactor to the city which he ably and faithfully 
represented. Among the most prominent measures he obtained for the 
City of Limerick, next to the opening of the borough, was the building 
of the Wellesley Bridge, over the River Shannon. This is one of the most 
beautiful bridges in Europe, rendered famous by the peculiarity of it.'^ 
L-onstruction, no other bridge in the world being similar, except one in 
France, which had been built on that plan to prevent an upward pressure 
iu time of high floods, to force the arches upwards. Tliis stupendous 
structure (Wellesley Bridge) will long bear testimony to the name of 
Spring Rice (Lord Monteaglo) as promoter aud successful advocate of 
every measure calculated to improve the political, merc;^ntile and social 
condition of the beautiful city he represented. 

It may not be irrelevant to state that 1 long enjoyed the iViendshiji 
and patronage of Lord Monteagle, to which T owe a great part of my 
success through life. I never asked him for a favor. He, however, never 
allowed an opportunity to escape, wherein he could promote my interest, 
that he did not take advantage of, unsolicited by me. He was in Londosi 
when aud where he heard it said, on good authority, tliat one assistant 
was to be ajopointed to discharge the duty of Astronomer Royal at Grreen- 
wich, to relieve Doctor Pond of that duty, by reason of his age or infirmitv, 
the incumbent retaining his position aud full pay for life. Spring Rice's 
partiality for me induced him to think that I would be, in every way, 
competent to fill the vacancy about to be made, by the resignation, or 
rather exemption of the Doctor from [>rofessional dut}-. Influenced !i\- 
a desire to get me the appointment, he immediately set out for Trinitv 
College, Dublin, where he enlisted the services of Doctor Sadlier, the 
Provost, and Doctor Sandes, then Senior Fellow of tlie Universitjr, and 
afterwards Bishop of Cashel, vAw accompanied him to the rooms of other 
influential Follows of the college, to solicit certificates for me, which they 
had no difficulty in obtaining, all, to whom they applied, having been m\ 
intimate friends. Having thus far succeeded, my three distino-uished 
fritmds went to Doctor J?rinkley, then Astronomer for Trinity Colleo-e. 
and afterwards Bishop of Cloyne, who, from his knowledge of me. promised 
to recommend me in the strono;est terms 



314 Biography. 

Here it may be ^rell t<> |ireini.se, tliat previously to thi^ time, my 
astronomical invention, nf which ouly a model existed, was generally 
spoken of througl) the presii, and also, that I got cretlit for making true and 
accurate calcuhitiuiis and observations in relation to the comet which, not 
many years before this lime, had made its appearance. Before this time, T 
was a good deal employed in delivering lectures on Astronomy and other 
sciences, which were very generally reported Im' the press, in terms more favor- 
able and flattering than they really deserved. Andas to thelively interesl 
taken in my promotion by Doctors Sadlier and Sandes, [ must say, that the 
])art they acted on this occasion proceeded more from personal friendship 
then any merit I possessed. Doctor Sandcs wa.H my friend and patron fi*om 
my early manhood. lie was rather distant and austere in his manner 
towards young persons, and never professed friendship openly, but never 
forgot to do an act of kindness unasked wlien an opportunity presented 
itself. Though a man of high rank by family connections, education, and 
ecclesiastical position he disliked, of all things, to see his name in print. 
When Junior Fellow of Trinity College, he invariabl}'- had the largest 
classes, from which he derived a considerable income. In liis early college 
days, he was considered a good mathematician, his favorite branches being 
Arithmetic and Fluxions. During his Senior Fellowship and after having 
been honored with a Miter, Mathematics and Science, generally, took an 
upward start towards perfection, unequalcd in its progressive celerity by 
any colligeate Institutioa in Europe. 

All these facts in relation to mj'sclf were very favorable, and highly 
calculated to facilitate the task of my friend and patron, Sj)ring Rice, in 
.seeking and obtaining my appointment. 

Armed with testimonials, reports of public lectures, a dcicriptiun, 
in detail, of my astronomical instrument, printed addresses from scientific 
societies, my esteemed friend departed for London, where he soon obtain- 
ed a positive promise of uiy appointment on the resignation or retirement 
of Dr. Pond from active duty, v/hich was expected to take [)lace in a 
short time. A\ hile this canvass by my friends was going on, and some 
time before, the project of establisliinga college or university for the people 
in Dublin, similar to the -'London University for tlie People," was very 
generally discussed. Meetings were held, committees appointed to make 
all the necessary arrangements, raise funds, frame rule^ and regulations 
for the general government of the institution. The first duty thej had 
to perform was to procure a building sufficiently large to commence opera- 
tions. Having chosen the present spacious premises occupied by the 
Board of education for tlieir Normal Schools and other purposes in Marl- 
borough Street, formerly the city residence of the Marquis of AYatorford, 
the next duty they had to perform was to elect a president. There were 



BlOGRAPHV. 3l5 

only three candidates for the |n-esidency of the college that was to be, and 1 
was elected by a large majority. My friends in Dublin, and they were many, 
conceived that I could bo elected to fill the high office of president, if I con- 
tended for it, collected around me and urged me to give up the idea of going 
to Londen, stating many reasons why I should remain in Dublin, where I 
liad so many friends. Weighed down by the force of argument, I con- 
sented to become a candidate, and was fortunate enough to be elected 
by a large majority. Being now elected president of the University, L 
was invited to a seat at the Board and to take part in the future raanao-enient 
of the institution. Sometime before this, Captain Jewel of Kilrush, in the 
County of Clare, was induced to come to Dublin by a promise to be ap- 
pointed stipendiary magistrate, but the authorities in Dublin discovering 
that he was step-father to the wife of Counsellor O'Gorman, known for 
many years as Secretary to the Catholic Association of Ireland, the gal. 
lant captain was never troubled with the appointment, though few were 
more peculiarly fit for it, having seen considerable service and been honor- 
ed with a position of great responsibility in the East Indies, as governor 
of some fortress. Captain Jewel having been disappointed in regard to 
the af)pointment which he sought, came to me to solicit my vote and in- 
terest to obtain the situation of secretary to the proposed University, 
which I did not hessitate to promise without reserve, havii)<r known hiiu 
intimately for some years. He was a gentleman of good address, 
literary taste, and genteel exterior, possessing also a good knowledo-e of 
the world, and highly gifted with eonversatienal powers. A situation 
promising a good salary, respectable in its character, and peculiarly cal. 
culated to extend the acquaintance of the individual among the better 
classes of the community, could not fail of having numerous applicants : 
accordingly numbers presented themselves, some founding their claim 
for {(reference on the respectability, influence, and amount of subscribtion 
of their friends ; some on something else likely to promote tlie welfare of 
the University ; and all, more or less, recommended as fit to do the duty 
required, and from their family connections, likely to be able to assist in 
building up the Institution, which was to be started into existence, by the 
voluntary donations of the wealthy, and stocks purchased fey speculators, 
no government appropriation having either been applied for or expected. 
Among the numerous applicants was a young lawyer of much promise, 
nephew to a venerable and highly respectbd judge who had large familv 
connections, many of them possessing much wealth and influence. AH 
being aware, that their relative and friend was desireus to get the appoint- 
ments, they subscribed liberally, took stocks, and increased the number of 
those who would have the privilege of voting by every means in their 
power. The day of election arrived, and my friend, Captain Jewel, was 



Sl6 • Biography. 

elected. This so exasperated tlit'. fVicuds of tlie jouiig lawyer, that they, 
to a mail, witlidrow from the IJoard of Directors, refusing to pay for the 
shares or .stocdcs sulx'riljed for, or participating in any of the affairs itf the 
i University. This was the beginning of the downfall of the national cdu- 
'•ational project. The young lavTver's friends having been unexpectedly 
defeated, they, liy way of revenge, took offices in Dover Street, one of thi- 
;j:rea test thoroughfares in Dublin, hung out flashy placards announcing' 
their intention of establishing a similar institution to the one with which 
tlii-y were recently connected, promising all the advantages that ingenuity 
rtnild invent, or rlietoretieal eloquence could describe. The boards of both 
parties mot on the same day of the week. I got directions to write ;i 
pamplilet, setting in motion all the working machinery of the Institutini' 
from the president down to the drill sargeant and gate keeper. The 
public being familiar with the test of scripture, which says, that a hou.-ic 
divided against itself must fall, began to have some doubts, as to the suc- 
cess, of tlie university ; the ardency of tlieir hopes began to cool down, 
and their confidence xjf success got weaker day after day. Tbe first party, 
liowever; not^wishing to give up a project, commenced with high hopes, and 
in which they had been engaged for seveial months, without giving it a 
fair trial, proposed to me to carry on the Institution on my own responsi- 
bility, promising to give me their names as patrons, and use their influ- 
ence through the kingdom to promote the interests of tlie undertaking ; 
promising also to give me some pecuniary aid in consideration of all the 
time I devoted to it, and more especially in consideration of my loss in 
giving up a most lucrative situation and one (pf high honor. 

Fearing that tlie party tiiat clung to me might back out, and having 
given up my profession for about twelve months, I saw that something- 
should be done to replenish my finances, which at this time were pretty 
low, and provide for many future support. To accomplish this, I saw no 
chance immediately at hand, but to accept of the terms proposed, namelv 
to undertake the University project on my own responsibility. I clearly 
foresaw that, without large funds to set the machinery in motion, the fail- 
ure of the project was certain, however having no other choice, I set 
about getting things in order. Commencing as I had to do, by necessity, 
with inadequate fnnds, I suggested the propriety of changing the name, from 
"Dublin University for the ]*eople" to a more modest and ajjpropriate 
one-namcly "Dublin Academical Institution." L now rented a large house 
at a high rent ; engaged a numerous corps of [)rofessors, at high salaries : 
hired a retinou of servants ; and purchased as large a quantity of furnitui-e 
as my funds v/ovdd admit. 1 advertised for students, and got a much lar- 
ger nundjer than I had expected. However well I had succeeded, the 
Institution, at any time, scarcely paid expenses : therefore after giving if 



Htographv. 317 

a trial fur about two yoars, I gare it up on getting a jjlaco which promised, 
with more certainty, the means of support for myself and family. My 
failure was an event I had always expected from first to last, therefore I 
felt it the less. Shortly after my election to the presidency of the Uni- 
versity, my friend and patron, Mr. Spring Rice, came to Dublin. On my 
first interview with h'un lie said, You will regret what you have done all 
the days ©f your life ; you have seen how many projects liave lately endpit 
in your city in a buttle of smoke ; and yours may end in the same way : 
you have giA-en up a certainty for an uncertainty. The situation of 
Assistant xistronomer Royal, with a positive certainly of promotion, was not 
beneath any man. In such a position, you could provide f«r all your relatives 
and friends. Now you are embarked in a project which I regard as a great 
uncertainty." Shortly after I commenced business in the Dublin Acade- 
mieal Institution, a head master was to be appointed to the High School 
of Edinboro, which had been huilt about this time, my friend, notwith- 
standing my late misnumagemcnt, applied for me, but was unsuccessful. 
Sawney about this time having claimed for the capital of Scotland, 
the classic name of the modern '"Athens of Europe", it could not be expec- 
ted, that, with such an array of talent as the modern Athens then con 
tained, he would aj)point a mkrb Irishman to preside over an institution 
intended to prepare and send out into the world young Scotts and Burii- 
ses, young Brewsters and Leslys, young Millers and Wattses, and thousand.^^ 
of other young scions to tread in the glorious footsteps of their illoustrious 
fathers. The amount of exalted talent at that time in and about the 
capital of Scotland gave Sawjicy some good reason for deserving for it the 
name of 3Iodern Athens. I would be doing an injustice to the memory 
of Lord 3Ionteaglc, were I to suppress an act of his proving how sincere 
lie was in his friendship to those who had any, even the least claim 
to his patronage. My son-in-law Captain Jenkins, of the Effglish Navy, 
was commander of one of tlie government steamers carrying the Mail be. 
tween Dublin and London. This gave me the privilege of going backward. 
and forward to Holyhead as often as I pleased, of which I took frequent 
advantage, especially in the summer season. In going backward and for- 
Avard, I formed a numerous acquaintance Avith the gentry of Anglesea, and 
especially with the gentry of Holyhead and its vicinity. Liverpool Avas 
long jealtus of Holyhead, by reason of the latter having enjoyed the ad- 
vantage of being the point of transit in the passage of the Mail to and from 
Dublin to London. Liverpool made frequent applications to the (xovern- 
nient to build a harbor fit for the reception of the Mail Packets. Liver- 
pool being ricli and influential, and Holyhead poor and insignificant, 
the Grovernment as is generally the case in most matters, showed indica- 
tions of favoring the rich and influential, Tli the fear of lusine' the mail 



ol8 BlOCillAl'IIY. 

steamers, whick hauled all their passengers at Holyhead, on their way to 
and from Dublin to London the people of Holyhead made every available 
Interest to retain the packets, the principal support of tlie town : and hnr- 
ing heard, by some chance, that Mr. Rice, then Chancellor of the Exche- 
quer, was a great friend of mine, they earnestly requested Captain Jenk- 
ins to speak to me on the subject, wdiieh he accordingly did. In order to 
olitain my friendly, as well as professional services, the men interested in 
tlie welfare of Holyliead, proposed to me and my late son, to make a 
survey of a neyf harbor at that place, which we accordingly did. We 
also prepared plans, etc. of the proposed harbor, which, accompanied 
by a printed report of the route from thence to Kingstown Harbc>r, near 
Dublin, was forwarded to the Chancellor of tlie Exchequer. Incorporated 
ill this report was one of a proposed harbor at Liverpool, and also a re- 
port of the route from thence to the harbor near Dublin, which, as com- 
pared w ith the former routes could not stand the test of competition. 
Tn this connection, it is but right to mention, that Captain Jenkins ac- 
cijinpauied my son and myself to Liverpool, a)id gave us a true comparison 
of both routes from actual ob.servation, and long and intimate knowledge 
of both routes. Captain Jenkins was a scientific officer, well informed 
ill all naval mattars. He was also a good nautical surveyor, as is proved 
liy tlie fact that, v.dicn a junior officer, under Lord DeEoose, he assisted 
that nobleman in making surveys and eharts of some of the South Amer- 
ican coasts belonging to England, as sliown by the title, "constructed by 
DeRoose and Jenkins". These charts wore put on canvas and mounted 
in my office in Dublin. The joint report of my son and myself having 
lieen forwarded to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, he had no hesitation 
in favoring his olil protege and Grod-son. He was (lod-fatlier to my 
oldest son and I called my second son — Spring Eiee, after him T was 
private tutor to his brother and another relative of his. 

As a further proof of the sincerity of Lord Monteagle's friendship 
for tlie author, lie w-ould mention, that when liis lordship was chancellor 
of the Exchequer, he invited the members tlien composing the cabinet, to 
spend six weeks at his mansion in thu county of Limerick, Ireland, among 
whom were the Duke of Devonshire and the Marquis of Lansdowne, who 
owned immense estate in that country ; and conceiving that if the author 
were brought into contact with these noblemen, they v.ould most likely 
give him the general agency of their properties with a view to their im- 
provement by drainage, improved modes of agriculture &c., the author',s 
friend. Lord Monteagle, invited him to join the party, premising as a con- 
dition, that he should give up his room to Lord Morpeth, then Chief Sec- 
retary for Ireland, and afterwards, Lord Lieutenant when Earl Carlisle, 
who was expected to iMqunt 'IVenchard in six days hence. It is unneces- 



BlOGRAV'JlV. 319 

sary to state that tlie author gladly complied with the conditions, and 
started immediately after having received the invitation, for Mount Tren- 
eliard. Whik in company Avith the cabinet of England, the author, by 
reason uf his professional avocations, was allov/ed to know more of the 
condition of Ireland than most men iii the country, was daily and hourly 
(juestioned in reference to the s'ate of matters, as they then stood in that 
eoiintry. And though but a cypher in such an assemblage, the autlior 
states with pride that honorable mention was made of his name after- 
wards in the houses of Lords and Commons in (connection with tlie state 
of Ireland at that time. Among other matters discussed, wherein infor- 
mation was required of the other, was the state of the roads in Ireland. 
This enquiry arose from the fact that the author and Sir James Anderson, 
Bart, in the County of Cork, were each engaged in building steam car- 
riages to run on the common roads. Though both were on the most in- 
timate and friendly terras, yet they studiously avoided to exchange a 
single idea that could lead either to take advantage of the other, by a- 
dopting any plan that was not his own. "On my return to Dublin from 
Mount Trenchard, one ©f the first persons I met was Sir James, to whom T 
said, Sir James. Iliave been doing something for you these days back. 1 
mentioned all I knew about your steam carriage to some of the members of 
of the cabinet. In a fev/ days after my return to Dublin I lieard if whispered , 
that Mr. Rogers, then a partner of Sir James in the steam carriage project, 
reported that I took advantage of Sir James' invention, and that while at 
Mount Trenchard, I spoke slightly of my friend's carriage. On hearing thi.« 
report, I prepared a letter contradicting every AYord of the rumor set afloat 
in refprence to myself, by Mr. Rogers, which letter was published in two of 
the Dublin papers. In my letters I appealed to the members of the cab- 
inet assembled at Lord Monteagle's. When I introdueed the name of Sir 
James Anderson in connection with his carriage, I said every thing calcu- 
lated to promote his interests, so far as I heard of it, but never instituted 
a comparison between his and others, being unab]e t<> do so. as knowing 
notliing of his plan. 

My carriage being ready, 1 was in treaty with a party in Stafford, 
England, who proposed to place it on some of the English roads, when to 
my great mortification, I got information that it had been broken into 
pieces the night bef»re by some evil minded person or persons. I sus- 
pect the deed was perpetrated by one who helped to build it, and that he 
had been bribed for that purpose. I never had time to attempt another 
to replace it. 

Common justice calls on me to state, that Sir James had neither bad 
act or part in the matter. Sir James was a man of high honor and noble 



320 ' IJioaiiAPin'. 

principles, utterly incapable of any act not becoming his excellent chnrac- 
ert and hieh sfntinn. T ^vas never al^lo to find out the guilty party. 

TreaJ (Hi a \vonii and it will turn. The harmless and defenceless 
u-orni, when trodden on, will turn, and will, by the first law of nature, bo 
urged to turn, and make an elFort, unavailing as it may be, to remove tlio 
weight that pressed it; and if tlic reptile is provided with as ting, it will 
turn and, by way of revenge, inflict an injury on the foot that trod on it. 
The first law of nature, which is self 211'cscrvation, seems to pervade ail 
animated creatures, from the highest to tlie lowest, even to the poor worm 
that creeps on the earth, and thougli many (if these creatures may seem to 
))ossess no feeling of resentment or revenge, I do firmly believe, that every 
living being from man down to tlie lowest and most insignificant insect, 
inclusive, is tinctured, more or less, with the spirit of resentment, at 
least, if not auger, hatred, and revenge. Man was endowed by his creator, 
with all these attributes, no doubt for a good and wise purpose, and only 
to be called into action, when assailed, or about to be assailed b}- an ene- 
my. When the conflict with an enemy commences, we are aroused by the 
laws of nature, and often instigated by the evil propensities of our nature, 
to invoke all our vi^orst passions to enlist themselves in our cause, and it 
not unfrequently liappcns, that long after the battle with the enemy had 
(.•eased, and the cause in which it originated had been removed, we 
are urged by an evil spirit of revenge to continue the fight, by which W(^ 
Itecome the aggres.sors, or offending party. Hence the necessity of keep- 
ing all our passions under proper control. When people arc long suffer- 
ing under the insupportable Avcight of poverty, degradation ayd distress, 
caused by injustice, no matter of what kind, name, or description, they 
arc forced by the laws of nature to resist those that op^H-css them. They 
may bear the burden that oppresses them with patience, while endurable : 
but patience has its limits, and like the smouldering embers, which if not 
completely extinguished, finally kindle into a blaze, will ultimately, sooner 
or later make an eftort to remove the cause or weight that had long op- 
pressed them. 1 have been led to these reflections by the past and present: 
social condition of Ireland, whose liistory presents a series of social convul- 
sions caused by a difference of races, a difference of religious creeds, and :i 
difterence of political sentiments. To these causes may be added nation- 
al habits of long standing. But the greatest of all causes, and those that 
liave produced, and still continue to produce, the most disastrous effects, 
are purely agrarian and want of employment for the working population. 
These disturbances that take place in Ireland, year after year, and day 
after day, are altogether a war between landlord and tenant. In a futurt* 
chapter, I mean to trace out all these causes and their effects. The war 
between landlord and tenant came to its highest in 184-4, the year that 
the young Ireland party became seriously rebellious. 

About this time and long before, daily ejectments from the iiome of 
their fathers sent tliousands of poor families on tlie road side without a 
roof to shelter them or food to feed them. 



